KELTY have sounded out Celtic, Rangers and other top flight clubs in the hope the next Connor Barron or Max Kucheriavyi can be persuaded to pull on a maroon jersey at New Central Park.
Hearts have a good record of getting promising Premiership starlets in on loan, giving them first team opportunities to aid their development while improving Michael Tidser's team at the same time.
Barron, who joined Rangers from Aberdeen in the summer, and St Johnstone's Kucheriavyi both made 13 appearances for Kelty in 2021-22, while Dons kid Alfie Bavidge netted nine goals last term and they also had teenagers Reuben McAllister and Lewis O'Donnell from Hibs and Dundee United respectively.
Player-boss Michael Tidser confirmed: "The loan market has been good for us.
"Last season we had Bav and O'Donnell and a few of the other lads as well so I hope to dip into that and find a wee gem that can come here and produce, like Connor Barron in the past or a Max Kucheriavyi.
"We've always done alright so I'll try and speak to a few contacts and see who we get."
Asked if they'd have to wait until late August, when teams in higher divisions generally decide which players they need now and which ones can go on loan, Tidser replied: "You ask any lower league manager, we all want to get them in early doors.
"I've spoken to four or five SPL managers over the last couple of weeks, Celtic, Rangers, Dundee, Dundee United, it's difficult for them to let them out just now because they still need them for the bench and things like that.
"The market was quiet for a while but now there's some movement so hopefully we can nip in and see where we are come the last couple of weeks."
Kelty claimed a fine 2-0 win over Stenny on Saturday and post-match the boss said: "We're still trying to add one or two more. I then want to get the squad fully fit and I think we can match anyone on their day.
"That's not being cocky or big headed. I back the lads in there, they just need to believe in themselves a bit more as well."
Asked where he wanted to strengthen the boss said: "Maybe defensive cover because we've got Tam O'Ware and Callum Flatman but Adam (Corbett) is probably out, it's not looking good, for another six to eight weeks.
"That'll be nearly nine months for Adam, so it's not been a good time for him, and Tam is so important for us so a bit of defensive cover would be good.
"And then you're always trying to add goals from midfield. I know we did that today with Scott Allan, but that's what we'd like to do."
Defender Adam Corbett hasn't played for Kelty since going off injured in the 3-2 home win over Edinburgh City in February while forward Luke McCarvel and midfielder Liam Brown also missed the win over Stenhousemuir.
Next up is Arbroath away and Tidser, who is hoping to shake off a calf niggle, said: "It's not an easy place to go but we're off to a good start and I don't think we should be fearing any team.
"We should be going in and showing what we're all about. We're not in there just to make up the numbers. We want to compete and see where it takes us."
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