BURY today unveiled the signings of Bristol City centre-back Adam El-Abd and Rotherham midfielder Rob Millsom in a final double swoop before the loan window slams shut tomorrow.

El-Abd, a 30-year-old Egyptian international, and 27-year-old Millsom joined until January 31 and go straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of Dagenham and Redbridge.

Flitcroft had highlighted a lack of cover at centre-back after Pablo Mills was forced to sit out last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at home to Newport County.

He also revealed he hoped to add two more players to his squad following the early departures last Saturday of loan signings Courtney Duffus and Tom Kennedy.

“There is an opportunity to bring in another couple,” he said. “We have to make sure we get all the players in that we feel is required from now until January.

“It is a busy period. A period you want to go into strong. You want your numbers good and injury free.”

El-Abd provides valuable experience at the heart of the defence having played more than 300 times for Brighton before his January move to League One leaders Bristol City. He also has seven caps for Egypt.

Millsom joined the Millers from Aberdeen last summer and played more than 30 times for them in League One but has only featured once since their promotion to Championship. A useful utility player, Millsom will provide cover in central midfield as well as on the left flank.

Flitcroft admitted injuries to key players Ryan Lowe and Craig Jones, as well as the on-off loan signings of Duffus and Kennedy, had unsettled his squad.

Hallam Hope’s lack of fitness since returning from Everton for a second loan spell has provided a further setback.

But after suffering six defeats in their last 12 matches, the Bury boss is confident results will start to improve as his squad returns to full strength.

“I think the squad has been a bit disjointed,” he said. “Nowwe know what squad we are going with until January, we go from here.

“There has probably been a bit of a disconnect with the team.

“But I think as the injured players return and the new signings bed in we are going to have a really competitive squad.”