TONY PULIS claims that it is not just him demanding more additions before the closure of the Football League loan window – Middlesbrough’s players are also hoping to see some fresh faces come through the door.

Boro failed to make any additions on the transfer-deadline day for permanent signings, with a number of prospective deals collapsing on the final day.

The Teessiders pulled out of a prospective move for Everton midfielder Mo Besic, and were unable to agree a deal for Millwall duo Jed Wallace and George Saville.

With Ben Gibson, Adama Traore and Patrick Bamford having left this summer, Pulis is adamant his current squad is not good enough to mount a viable promotion push.

Boro officials have held talks with a number of clubs this week – Everton winger Yannick Bolasie remains a leading target – but have been unable to reach an agreement over any of their targets.

Nevertheless, Pulis remains hopeful new faces will arrive, with his players also aware of the need for reinforcements.

“We’ve got expectations to be at the top of the table and to be at the top of the table you can't afford to lose the players we've lost and not replace them,” said the Boro boss.

“We’ve done absolutely brilliant (so far), the players that are here have worked very, very hard and got some great results but over a season of 46 games and if you throw the cups in as well, you need a squad of players to see you through.

“At the moment, our depth is just not strong enough, the quality in the group has to be improved and the depth has to be improved otherwise I'm absolutely convinced we'll just fall away.

“It’s not me shouting and saying, ‘We need players in’ - the players in the dressing room know that we need players in as well.

“They are not stupid, they understand the situation, they understand what this level's like and what it needs and what it takes so they are waiting as well for players to come in.

“It’s not me moaning as a manager, it’s the group. The group have been fantastic together, they've worked hard together and we've got a good spirit in the dressing room.”

Boro continue their Championship programme at Bristol City tomorrow, in a city Pulis knows extremely well following a playing spell at Bristol Rovers and a brief managerial stint in charge of the Robins.

“It will be a tough game going to Ashton Gate,” he said. “I spent a bit of time there as a manager, it's a lovely city. I've got great association with Bristol Rovers where I started my playing career and had great times there.”

“If you go to Bristol City now, it's a real first-class stadium and the city is big enough to host a Premier League club. One day, hopefully that will happen.”

Boro are set to name the side that started last weekend’s 1-0 win over Birmingham City, with Dael Fry having recovered from the knock he sustained in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Notts County.

Jordan Hugill and Rudy Gestede are both set to start training with the first-team squad next week, but will not be considered for tomorrow’s game.

“We've got one or two knocks,” said Pulis.  “Jordan's still unavailable, but next week he will come out on the grass and train with us. We’re hoping Rudy might be joining in next week too, fingers crossed. For now though, we go with what we've got.”