Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree insists he won’t be “going hunting” for new stars as the transfer window edges closer to slamming shut – but could be willing to act if the right opportunity presents itself.

McAree has masterminded Dungannon’s recent period of success with the Co Tyrone club looking to continue building on consecutive top-half Premiership finishes and reaching back-to-back Irish Cup finals.

The Swifts chief has added to an already talented squad by signing Michael McElhatton, Jamie Glackin, Kris Lowe and Barney McKeown – and secured the return of former Glentoran striker Junior in a crucial move.

Just as importantly, McAree has managed to – so far – keep hold of his top talent, including talisman Sean McAllister, who has attracted interest from a host of clubs this summer.

placeholder image — Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

The Irish League’s transfer window is set to close on Tuesday night, and while McAree hasn’t ruled out the potential for more activity, he’s thrilled with the current options at his disposal.

"If the right one comes along and we can do something, we'll probably be interested,” said McAree. “But we're not overly going hunting.

"We're not looking, but obviously you're getting into the last week of it.

"People may be offering you something, they're trying to free up money themselves.

"If we go to bring somebody in, we probably have to free up a little bit of money to bring them in, so that maybe would mean somebody going out.

"I'm happy with what we have here at this moment in time, so I wouldn't really want to lose too many if that was the case.”

Dungannon have started the current campaign by winning two of their opening three matches, following up an away triumph over Portadown by beating Bangor 2-0 last weekend.

It’s in stark contrast to their run of last term when McAree’s men lost each of their first five games before a win at Glenavon sparked another top-six bid.

The Swifts will once again lock horns with Cliftonville – the side they defeated in the 2024/25 Irish Cup final and semi-finals 12 months later – on Saturday, and captain Gael Bigirimana is embracing increased expectation levels at Stangmore Park.

"Last season, it was a tough start, you don't want to start like that,” he said. “We learned from our mistakes.

"If we had maybe got two wins out of those five games or even picked up four points, at the end of the season we could have been higher up (the table), things could have been a little bit different.

"You need to start well, but the most important thing is to finish strong.

"The expectation is there from the chairman, the gaffer, the staff, and now we've brought boys in like Kris Lowe, Barney (McKeown) has been brilliant since he's come in as well, Glacks (Jamie Glackin), experienced boys.

"We can determine by our effort and attitude how far we want to go this season – you can't get complacent because you will get found out in this league.

"You need to have that pressure, but you've got to manage that pressure in the right way.”