CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe revealed he had explored the loan market for new recruits but decided against bolstering his resources.

Howe had until 5pm today to make any temporary signings before the last emergency loan window of the year closed for business.

Clubs are now not permitted to add to their squads – unless it is a goalkeeper in exceptional circumstances – until the start of January.

Howe had been forced to weigh up his options after strikers Callum Wilson and Tokelo Rantie had both been injured during Cherries’ 2-2 draw with Ipswich five days ago.

Leading goalscorer Wilson suffered a hamstring injury before Rantie, his replacement, sustained a shoulder injury just minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench.

And as Cherries’ medical staff assessed the players during the early part of the week, Howe had to decide whether to try to bring in reinforcements before the deadline.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: “When we got the two injuries last week, we looked at the market and saw what was available.

“But there were very few players that we thought would have the quality to come in and make a real difference to our squad.”

Howe added: “It has been a difficult week for us with losing the two lads against Ipswich. It was tough to take but it is all part of football.

“We have assessed the injuries and, hopefully, it is good news on Tokelo although we won’t know how good until he starts training again and sees how his shoulder feels.

“Callum is in a race to be fit. He is not anywhere near as serious as we first thought so that was really good news and, hopefully, he has a chance for the Millwall game.”