Joey Barton gave a blunt verdict on Bristol Rovers' chances of replacing Brandon Hanlan after the striker's move to Wycombe Wanderers.
The Gas sold the 24-year-old to League Wycombe on Thursday for a fee understood to be £150,000, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, after weeks of intense interest from clubs in the third tier.
But his departure leaves Rovers short of options up top, with Aaron Collins and Harvey Saunders the only starting options with Brett Pitman's playing time compromised by an ankle injury.
Signing a striker is Rovers' top priority of the remaining days of the transfer window, which shuts at 11pm on Tuesday, but ahead of Saturday's trip to Barrow he said it would be challenging.
"It’s going to be really, really tough," Barton said. "The marketplace is scarce at the minute.
"There was a lot of interest in Bran over the summer, but credit to him he was always straight down the line with me.
"I think the fact he had the expiration date on his contract ticking away in the background, and we took him on a compensation (deal) which we had to pay in the summer, and within a short period he’s going to be a free transfer and be available to go, it was not an ideal situation.
"We’re already short of strikers and Bran going has left us a bit short in that department, so there is work to do, but the financial package for the club has been accepted.
"That goes outside my pay grade and is handed over further up the hierarchy. They feel it’s a good deal for the club, and I can’t disagree with that."
Rovers have free agent veteran striker Leon Clarke training with them, and should the Gas be inclined to offer him a deal there is no absolute rush to push a deal through, with out-of-contract players able to sign after the deadline.
Barton says he is "gutted" to see Hanlan depart, but he sees the sense in the deal for all parties.
The manager said: "You have to see it from both perspectives. Bran is also closer to home. I think he’s going to move back in with his mum and get some home cooking.
"He’s going to play in a higher division for a settled manager in Gareth Ainsworth, who will be trying to get out of League One again and into the Championship.
"I can understand it for all parties. Bran has always been great with me. He’s tried his hardest when he’s played for me on a matchday.
"We’re gutted to see him go, but we understand it, and wish him every success in the future."
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