However, Alex Bruce, from Saturday's opponents Ipswich Town, will not be making the switch to Burnley.

The 23-year-old, son of Wigan boss Steve, was linked with a move in the national press yesterday, but is expected to be in the Tractor Boys' matchday squad at Turf Moor, and could even start the game.

It has been suggested Bruce, a Republic of Ireland international, wants to move back north, with Leeds United also believed to be interested.

I understand the former Birmingham man is available, however, Coyle dismissed the story out of hand, and admitted he is looking elsewhere: "I speak to Jim Magilton quite a lot, and, as much as I think the boy's a good player, it's not a name we've ever discussed.
"We're still looking to strengthen, there's no doubt about it.

"I've got a couple of things out there, and if one comes back, we'll move quickly on it.

"As it is, we have to continue to do our best in that field.
"We're looking, as I have all summer, because it's an area we would love to strengthen.

"Numerically, we don't have a lot of different variations, so the search continues, and if the right player comes along, we'll try to move on him."

Coyle's options in that area are boosted tomorrow by the return of Clarke Carlisle, after completing his two-match suspension.

He is in contention to start against Town, and Coyle is delighted to have him available: "For me, it's a terrific boost to have Clarke back. I think when he's focussed and at it, then I really believe he's as good a centre back as you'll get in the Championship.

"That's up to Clarke to show that on a consistent basis, but he brings a tremendous presence, leadership qualities, always talking and organising, and he's going to be an important player for us, there's no doubt about it.

"I think he's got the full package, and he knows, because I've sat down with him and had extensive chats with him, such is the relationship we have, and I really believe he's capable of being a top, top Championship player.
"But Clarke has to bring that to his game when he crosses that white line."

After keeping a clean sheet in the Carling Cup win at Bury, however, Coyle admits it is a nice selection headache: "We'll look and decide, but it's a nice dilemma to have, that players are pushing for places because they've done well in a game, in opposed to making decisions on the back of players playing poorly.

"I'd rather have it that way, and long may that continue.
"It's fair to say Clarke comes into your thoughts, and we'll deliberate and pick the best team to go forward."

As Coyle looks to add to his defensive unit, however, one potential deal has been put on the backburner.

Latvian Under 21 international winger Aleksandrs Solovjovs impressed on trial in pre-season, and a representative was despatched to try and negotiate a deal with his club Olimps Riga last week.

But Coyle said: "Aleksandrs is a player with fantastic potential, but at the moment, my priority lies elsewhere, and that's what we're trying to do.
"If and when we do get a priority in, then we can look at those other areas."

Coyle has a full squad to select from tomorrow, and he is looking forward to the first home game of the season: "Touch wood, we've got a full compliment to train and choose from. We're just looking to go and try and beat a very good Ipswich side, who, by all accounts, were very unlucky to lose against Preston.

"It will be a difficult game, but we've had two tough away games and it's great to be back at home.
"The fans have been brilliant, and we want to make sure we give them something to sing about against Ipswich.

"On the back of how disappointing last Saturday was, it will be special to get out in front of our own fans and go and show the level of play we're capable of.
"We have to bring our best game with us, and I'm sure it will be a good footballing game."

Martin Paterson will look to continue his impressive start to the season, which has reaped three goals in the first two games, but Coyle feels he offers so much more than putting the ball in the net: "The goals are nice, but his work ethic, and everything else he brings to the game, is so important.

"If he continues, and we believe he can, that will serve the club well.
"We want to make sure we have a goal threat from all areas of the park though, and it's up to other players to accept that responsibility, as Pato has done, and make sure they're among the goals.

"Chris (Eagles) was unfortunate at Bury, and the keeper made a very good save that allowed Pato to score.
"But they are all popping up and trying to get shots away, and that augurs well."

Coyle is happy with the way his four-man forward line is gelling – emphasised by the opening goal at Bury – and believes Paterson will soon be joined on the scoresheet by his teammates: "I was pleased with how free-flowing the four of them were at Bury, but, equally, and we work at it on a daily basis, they have a job to do against the ball, as opposed to being very open on the counter-attack.

"To be fair, they have tried to work hard to make sure they do that job for the team, it's not just about playing when we have the ball.
"They've grasped that.

"But they were all involved with the first goal at Bury. Robbie didn't have a touch in the move, but even then, he made a very good run to take a player away, and it was a real footballing goal.
"We would just like a few of the scrappy ones other teams seem to get, to add to the quality, and I'll be delighted.

"You're not always going to score the perfect goal every week, and the first one probably was, but if we can mix it up, we'll be pleased.

"I say to Pato before every training session and game, look for the real striker's goal. People think you don't have to work for them, but you do, because he's working all the time and reacting to everyone else. And there's no better feeling when the keeper spills one and you have an empty net to roll one in.

"We want others in among the goals as well though."