ARGYLE are facing a defensive crisis ahead of the new year.

Loan signings Darcy Blake, David Gray and Shane Lowry are all scheduled to return to their parents clubs in the next six weeks.

The problem is exacerbated for manager Paul Sturrock by the probably absence of Benin international Réda Johnson for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

"We have a difficult time coming up," said Luggy. "We have a lot of players going back at the end of December and Réda then swans off to the African Nations.

"We are going to be really stretched defensively, so I've set me scouts the task of finding replacements, if needed.

"I am very hopeful that some of the ones already here will continue here."