Barnet boss Martin Allen hopes to sign a centre-forward to boost his striking options with the final emergency loan window opening on Monday.

The departures of Kevin Lisbie and Aaron McLean have left Allen with John Akinde and Shaun Batt as his only fit senior forwards.

Football League clubs can sign players on loan for 28 to 93 days until March 24 and the Bees are keen to add a striker after losing Michael Gash for up to six weeks.

This will, however, be the final emergency loan window. FIFA, world football's governing body, has put a stop to short-term loan deals in the Football League. As of next season loans can only run from one window to another.

"Me and the chairman have been working very closely to see if we can bring in another centre-forward," Allen told Bees Player.

"Shaun Batt, I think, did a great job playing up front on his own which is a role he isn't used to.

"It's been asked why I didn't play Matt Stevens in the Carlisle United game.

"There were a lot of clubs watching him at the time and three clubs came to watch him for the youth team - that's why he wasn't involved.

"We've been working with the chairman and got close on a few deals to bring in another player.

"From having too many centre-forwards within a couple of days we didn't really have any. I'm grateful for the hard work Shaun Batt has put in."