SAM Allardyce has put a new goalscorer and midfield playmaker at the top of his Christmas present list.

But he knows Wanderers' modest financial resources mean there is little chance of his team building dreams coming true.

Allardyce today paid tribute to his Reebok squad who have torn up the Premiership form book by establishing the club in mid-table when all the bookies made them huge favourites to finish rock bottom.

He believes quality new blood up front and in the middle of the park would give them a great chance of completing the survival mission but a lack of sufficient funds within the club coffers continues to frustrate him in his efforts.

The Wanderers board is in no position to offer Allardyce big money to plug the gaps he sees in the team although that will change if Wanderers survive this season.

Chairman Phil Gartside said there are limited funds available as the Premiership money has been used to put the club on an even keel as well as help Allardyce build the squad currently at his disposal.

"There is an amount of money that Sam knows he can spend on wages, transfers etc," said Gartside. "And the longer we stay in the Premier League the more money he will have. We are going in the right direction."

That means Allardyce will have to weave his magic in the transfer market if he is to get the men he wants.

"The first area I would boost if I could would be the goals department," he revealed.

"Dean Holdsworth is capable of getting goals but not as many as he used to do in the division below. Striker

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"I think we need another striker who can get goals and play him alongside Michael Ricketts.

"Next would be a central midfield player with a bit more vision and passing ability than we have now.

"I keep asking for money and we keep trying to work it out within the budget and the club's financial framework."