Gretna coach David Irons is confident of backing in the January market from club owner Brookes Mileson.

"He will bring players in during the transfer window if it's worthwhile," said the Gretna head coach after his side slipped five points adrift. "He will bring out the cheque book, just as he has in previous seasons.

"The problem is that we have to make it worthwhile and stay in touch with one, two or possibly three teams."

Irons hinted that he and director of football Mick Wadsworth had not got their team building right during the summer as they prepared for the club's first season in the Scottish Premier League.

"I think it was underestimated," he told BBC Sport about the quality of players necessary for the challenge in Scotland's top flight.

"From my point of view, I knew we needed some players with SPL experience who had been over the course before.

"But Mick wanted to give the younger players the opportunity and, to be fair to them, some have done really well for us.

"But, between the two of us, we have to get the balance right between Scottish experienced players who know this level and the young players that can we can develop and bring on and possibly even sell to bring money into Gretna."