MANAGER Peter Reid has made signing a new striker for Plymouth Argyle his top priority.

Goalscoring has been a problem for the Pilgrims over recent seasons, and they have netted only twice in their first three games this term, which is a concern for Reid.

He is also hoping there will be some player departures from Home Park — either permanent moves or loans — before the transfer window slams shut on August 31.

Trying to reduce the wage-bill is an important aspect of Reid's role as manager, after the club's financially-costly relegation from the Championship last season.

Reid currently has six strikers in his squad — Rory Fallon, Liam Head, Steve MacLean, Joe Mason, Rory Patterson and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

But Head, 18, is totally unproven, and Wright-Phillips seems to have fallen out of favour already.

And Fallon's future is far from certain, especially after his substitution in the first half of the Pilgrims' 1-1 draw with Carlisle United at Home Park on Saturday.

Patterson came off the bench to replace Fallon and his equaliser, deep into stoppage time, was his first goal for Argyle since signing for them in the summer from Glentoran.

Mason has yet to start a game for the Pilgrims this season, but the 19-year-old proved he had good goalscoring instincts in the Championship last term.

MacLean, meanwhile, has impressed with his workrate but has yet to open his account in 2010/11.

Reid said: "I have changed one or two things, but I'm still not there in terms of what I want in or what I want out.

"But there are a lot of managers in the same boat. I think as we get closer to the deadline things will happen."

Reid continued: "I was pleased Patterson got a goal, and I'm pleased with Mason, but that front-man is still a concern for me.

"He could be tall or quick — anyone who can stick it in the back of the net will do me.

"I have got a few irons in the fire and I'm hoping it will come to fruition."

Meanwhile, Reid has admitted the performances of former Everton midfielder Anton Peterlin have been one of the early season plus points for him.

Peterlin, 23, has started all three matches for Argyle in the centre of midfield.

The American signed a one-year contract with the Pilgrims last month after impressing Reid in a trial period.

"I think he's getting to the pace of it," said Reid. "He's one of those players who keeps the ball well.

"With me trying to get the team to pass it, I think he has been one of the plusses to be perfectly honest.

"Like I have said, we have got to get that anxiety out of our play. We have had small-sided games in training, trying to get the passing going. It has been short and sharp."

Reid has played central defender Bondz N'Gala out of position at right-back in Argyle's first two Championship matches this season.

But the Pilgrims' boss has his reservations about doing that.

Reid said: "Defensively he's okay, but there is a problem when we get forward.

"He needs to be more comfortable on the ball, so he has got to improve."

Karl Duguid played at right-back when Argyle were beaten 1-0 by Notts County in the Carling Cup first round at Home Park last Tuesday.

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