​MANAGER Ian Baraclough has been stepping up his efforts to add one final piece to his new-look Scunthorpe United jigsaw.

But he admits nothing is likely to happen in time for tonight’s crunch relegation battle at home to Preston.

It may well be that Baraclough has been trying to revive interest in targets he had during the transfer window in January.

Oldham winger Chris Taylor and Bristol Rovers striker Will Hoskins could be two such candidates.

“Things change all the time with different players and different clubs,” confessed the United boss.

“We are still interested in players, still asking questions.

“And sometimes you can get a call from a club you have spoken to before, asking if you are still interested in their player.

“Things change all the time, so you cannot afford to focus on just one player.”

Baraclough would have liked to have strengthened his squad in time for tonight, for what is arguably United’s biggest of the season.

It’s their final catch-up game and gives them a real chance to put pressure on the teams just above them.

“Everyone connected to both clubs will look at this as a ‘must-win’ game,” confessed the Iron boss.

“Three points for us would make a world of difference, it would bring us to within a point of Crystal Palace who we have still got to go there and play.

“But I still don’t think that it is cut and dry that there are just four teams battling it out to avoid the three relegation places.

“I still believe that there is maybe one or two others that may get dragged down.

“If Preston were to not get the full quota of points then they would perhaps look at it that it’s a very difficult task to get out of relegation trouble.

“They may be bottom of the league at the moment but they are no mugs. Results have improved under Phil Brown.”

Baraclough admits it’s a pressure game for both teams.

“Players will be trying to minimise the mistakes,” he said.

“You have to try to take the tension out of it.

“You have to find times to put your foot on the ball and I think the team that can do that has the best chance of winning.

“It will be a tough battle. I can’t see Phil Brown setting his team out to come here and play nice, pretty football.

“We have got to start at a good tempo. We have got to match everything that they throw at us – and give them more back.

“We are on home turf and have got to ask them questions.

“But there is still a lot of football to play after this game. No-one is going to get relegated tonight and no-one is going to stay up.”

Baraclough is also looking for an improved attacking performance from his team.

“Ours is not a pitch where you can run with the ball – but you can find space and pass it in the right areas.

“I don’t think we have been doing enough of that,” he said.