Window pain for Ally over targets

ground in defensive areas.

“We will have to carry a bit of luck in terms of injuries and suspensions.”

The Gers gaffer is waiting for international clearance for Francesco Stella, who has previously played for Italian Serie A club Siena.

But with captain and centre-half Carlos Bocanegra joining Racing Santander on loan for a season, his squad is thin.

And he will now be unable to buy a player aged over 18 until September 2013 due to the 12-month embargo.

McCoist, who saw new boy Templeton net a debut brace yesterday, said: “It just didn’t happen for us.

“There was no shortage of players we were interested in.

“Neil Murray, our chief scout, has been great. Kenny [McDowall], Ian [Durrant] and myself had a list of players we wanted.

“Unfortunately, it just hasn’t happened.

“It was a combination of a lot of things, but there is no use going on about it now, we just have to get on with it. At least we know where we are.”

He added: “Francesco Stella has come over from Italy and he is a player we have decided to give a short-term contract to. Hopefully, he will do well.

“I’m not sure if international clearance has come through. Andrew [Dickson, Head of Football Administration] and his boys will be checking on that and hopefully they will get it through.”