McIlroy is keen to replace Mark Duffy after the winger sealed a switch to Championship side Scunthorpe last week.
His efforts have yet to come to fruition with the transfer deadline on January 31.
Yet McIlroy said: "It's been a bit frustrating so far but I have identified a couple of players and have been talking to clubs and agents and we will just keep working hard to sort a deal out."
Defender Paul Scott remains absent as he recovers from a knee operation and midfielder Garry Hunter is also set to miss out with a knee injury.
Source: PA
Source: PA