Manager Alan Knill has labelled Scunthorpe United's current run of form as 'painful'.

And the Iron boss is desperate to see more of his squad return to full fitness to ensure that pain turns into some gain.

Knill admits he has very little room for manoeuvre when it comes to attempting to shake up his first-team – a situation which has hampered their cause in recent games.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Notts County, United have suffered two defeats in a row in League One, in addition to being knocked out of the FA Cup by AFC Wimbledon at Glanford Park on Tuesday night.

And with little competition for places, Scunthorpe are having to ride the storm.

"It's very difficult," said Knill. "Really we're shuffling the pack with a total of 13 or 14 players.

"We're desperate for Damien Mozika and Jimmy Ryan to come back, just to give us more competition.

"We think they should be two weeks away.

"Jordan Robertson and Cliff Byrne have been on the bench, but through long lay-offs they're not fit enough to take part.

"I'm hoping in two weeks we'll have a fitter squad, but we need it now.

"I want it now, I don't want to wait two weeks, I wanted it at the start of the season.

"Unfortunately we just have to take some pain at the moment, because it is painful."

It is up front where most of United's problems lie, having failed to find the net in their last four games.

Knill would like to bring a proven goalscorer in to offer a different solution.

But with the Football League loan deadline set for 5pm today, he faces a tough task to make that happen.

"Every team needs a goalscorer and we haven't got that at the moment," said the manager.

"There's bits – the ball hits the bar, a snapshot, the keeper saves it, but we're looking for that last bit.

"We'll have a look. I've got to say as well that those strikers you're looking for, everyone wants them.

"And, chances are, if they're scoring goals, they're already in someone's team.

"We'll have a look though, find out and then ask the question.

"At the moment, I don't think a young striker would benefit us.

"But, at the same time, there's not too many out there.

"We've got some targets and we'll ask the question."

"I think as well, you want some experience, maybe some experience, but you want a proven goalscorer – someone that you know throughout his career has scored goals.

"I think that's what we're going to have to look at, if we can."

He added that making it through another round in the FA Cup would have assisted with that.

"We played Newcastle United at home in the League Cup and that was great. We had the TV here and made some money," Knil said.

"And it is about making money. If we want to go get a striker, we need to bring some revenue in.

"That's probably the most disappointing thing (about being knocked out) because every round you go through helps you."

Where Scunthorpe do not need help however, according to Knill is with their confidence.

"I hate that word," he said.

"It's pretty simple – you come in, go to work and do your best. We don't ask anybody not to do anything that they're not good at.

"I don't think there's a lack of confidence in the team.

"I think there's quality in the squad, but we just need it to step forward."