Braintree Town are hoping for a pre-FA Cup boost with the loan extensions of George Elokobi and Oli Muldoon.

Both had seen their initial one-month deals to be with the Iron run out after last weekend’s 1-0 Vanarama National League defeat by Solihull Moors, but manager Hakan Hayrettin confirmed to the Times that he hoped both would have signed extension deals ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie against Eastbourne Borough.

And he said that he expected both Elokobi, who is on loan from League Two side Colchester United, and Charlton Athletic’s Muldoon to have clearance from their parent clubs to play in the weekend fixture.

Hayrettin also said that he hoped Ipswich Town loanee Monty Patterson would be made eligible by the Blues for the FA Cup game.

“We are geared up for it and we will be ready,” said the Iron boss.

He added that he was still looking to bring in another addition to his squad to find the blend he wanted to get them clear of Vanarama National League relegation danger, but knew that he may have to be patient to get those who he wanted.

“You can’t buy all the sweets in the sweet shop,” he said.

“You have to keep your own sweets, but I do know the sweets that I want.”

Meanwhile, Hayrettin said there had been further interest from other clubs in Iron midfielder Simeon Akinola, but he wasn’t aware of any offers that the club had beenprepared to accept.

Lincoln City are believed to be among those looking to prise the 24-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, away, with a reported £25,000 offer by the Imps turned down.

Hayrettin said: “There has been interest from other teams but I have told him that I expect him to work hard while he is here.

“He understands what I mean and he is a good kid trying to do his best.”