The Bolton manager is facing up to the fact that he will probably lose as many as five key players during the month because of the African Nations Cup in Egypt.
"We would prefer not to need anyone in January but five players are likely to be available for the Nations Cup," said the Bolton boss.
"We have to do something if we want to be successful this season.
"What we can't do is destroy a whole season in the space of a few weeks by allowing five players to go to the Nations Cup and not replace them.
"It is my responsibility as manager to push the board to do that.
"Hopefully we may still be in three major competitions and maybe in four... the last 32 of the Uefa Cup, the top half of the Premiership and the semi-final of Carling Cup. There is also the start of the FA Cup.
"If we are involved like that in January we have a responsibility to go and get more players."