The Allen Park boss has two players whom he signed in the summer – Michael McWilliams and Geoff Tweed – who haven't been available to him because of work and other sporting commitments.

On top of that, Candlish has attempted to shore up his side's leaky defence by snapping up centre-back Stevie King on a loan deal from Championship side Ballyclare Comrades.

The fourth addition is likely to be another loan signing, this time from a Premiership club anxious to send a promising young talent out on loan to gain some first team experience, but the identity of the player is not yet known.

Candlish took a break from the managerial frontline on Saturday to run the rule over some of the players coming through the ranks.

With the first team having no match, Candlish was an interested spectator as he cast his eye over Dominic Dewart's second string.

But he admits that he learned little as the Reserves cantered to an easy 8-0 victory over Demesne Strollers in a Ballymena and Provincial Junior League One match.

"I played four or five players who have maybe been on the bench for the first team in recent weeks and it was good for them to get 90 minutes under their belts and for me to get a look at them in a match situation," said Candlish.

"They all worked hard and showed a good attitude – in fact there were some first team players just itching to get a game, but I wanted to look at specific players rather than ones who I knew already what they can do.

"Obviously it's a big step up from the reserve team to the first team but players like Gary Brown have done it and it's essential to have a reserve team structure in place to help players make that transition."

Candlish's men return to Interim League action this weekend and again the fixture schedule for the early part of the season hasn't been kind to Corner.

Next up it's Harland and Wolff Welders at Allen Park – like their last match against Dundela, a team who coped quite comfortably with playing a division above, only to fall victim to their ground not being up to the required standard to meet the criteria for the IFA Championship.

The game has a later than usual 3pm kick-off due to the Northern Ireland ladies' team playing at Allen Park in the morning.