The veteran striker has yet to kick a ball in the Premier League for Hull despite scoring the Wembley goal that secured the club's promotion last season.

With Barnsley captain Brian Howard yesterday quitting to join rivals Sheffield United, Davey needs to take positive action to help soften the blow.

Speaking ahead of tonight's trip to Ipswich Town, Davey, who has also been linked with Sunderland's David Connolly, said: "We are always looking and always searching for players.

"I have not heard the rumours about Dean Windass and David Connolly, but it is just paper talk. I have not spoken with any clubs or any players."

Davey refused to dwell on Howard's controversial departure to South Yorkshire rivals United saying only: "We have a big game against Ipswich Town and that is all we are concentrating on."

The Tykes have picked up only five points from their first eight games of the season yet climbed off the bottom of the table at the weekend thanks to a second consecutive goalless draw.

Davey described that performance against Norwich City as his side's 'best' of the season but knows a shortage of goals is still a major problem that has to be addressed.

"We dominated possession against Norwich, looked solid at the back, and created chances. We had everything apart from the goals," he said. "I will have to change it if the goals do not come."

Dutch striker Maceo Rigters, who has been troubled by injury since arriving on loan from Blackburn Rovers at the start of the season, could start his first league game tonight for the Tykes although Davey has also drafted in-form youngsters Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Jamil Adam into the squad.

Last six games: Ipswich LWDDLD, Barnsley LWLLDD.

Last time: Ipswich 0 Barnsley 0; December 1, 2007; Championship.

Referee: K Friend (Leicestershire).