Lincoln City boss David Holdsworth has admitted he is "extremely unlikely" to sign a striker before tomorrow's visit to Kettering in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

At present, Holdsworth has just one fit striker, Richard Pacquette, at his disposal for the trip to Nene Park after it was confirmed Sam Smith fractured his foot during the 2-0 victory over Southport on Tuesday night.

Jamie Taylor and Francis Laurent are also sidelined through injury.

The former Ilkeston boss has been working feverishly to bring in at least one new attack-minded player, with the likes of Mansfield's Adam Smith and Brackley's Jefferson Louis thought to be on his radar.

But Holdsworth revealed he has been priced out of securing his top targets.

"I've had seven or eight very good players ready to come, but we just can't cope in financial terms," he said.

"That's where we are and we have to deal with it. As a manager, there's only so much I can do. Players want to come but if you can't pay their mortgage, they're not going to come, they're going to go somewhere else. It's tough and frustrating.

"I've not given up, I never give up, but I would say it's extremely unlikely. It's not been for the want of trying, believe me, but it's hard bringing in players for next to nothing."

With Pacquette his only striker, Holdsworth is set to change formation against the crisis-hit Poppies, who are fourth-bottom in the table.

"I don't like to stick square pegs in rounds holes, you have to change your system," added the Imps boss.