Ally McCoist says it is essential he strengthens his squad in the January transfer window despite watching his injury-stricken side comprehensively defeat Motherwell 3-0 at Ibrox on Monday.

We need bodies in... it’s as simple as that

The Gers bounced back from their midweek Old Firm derby defeat disappointment to sweep third-placed Motherwell aside with a rare strike from David Healy, Sone Aluko’s first goal for the club and a Stephen Craigan own goal.

A hamstring injury suffered by Kyle Lafferty in the match means he joins fellow forwards Nikica Jelavic, Steven Naismith and youngster Kane Hemmings on the sidelines.

It leaves Northern Ireland international Healy, who started his first league game of the season against Motherwell, as the only fit striker at the club.

Rangers are also having to cope without injured defenders Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker while midfielder Thomas Bendiksen looks set to leave the club for Norwegian side Tromso.

And McCoist says he will now sit down with club owner Craig Whyte to discuss a list of potential transfer targets as they bid to overcome a two-point lead for rivals Celtic, who defeated Dunfermline 3-0.

“Obviously anyone could tell you that it certainly looks like we need strengthening in forward areas. The injuries to Jelavic, Lafferty and Naismith haven’t done anything to change my opinion,” McCoist said.

“We need bodies in... it’s as simple as that. I couldn’t put my finger on it and say we need three, four or five but we certainly need players in.

“As happy as we are with the performance against Motherwell, we do know we need to add to our squad.”

Rangers have been linked with moves for former strikers Kris Boyd and Nacho Novo.

Boyd, who scored 101 league goals in four years at Ibrox, is a free agent after he terminated his contract with Turkish side Eskiehirspor while manager McCoist ad-mitted he was impressed with Sporting Gijon forward Novo when he trained with his old club while in Scotland over the festive period.