In light of the Michael Essien deal which fell through late last week, Muscat conceded his disappointment, but said he was content with the current squad and was looking for the right player before making any drastic signings.

“We did everything in our powers and it’s not the first time you’re not going to sign someone who might not be at the club, but it’s well past us and we move on,” Muscat said.

“It’s not something I’m consciously trying to do, if the opportunity arises like the previous one, two or three before that. We’ll treat every situation in isolation, we’ll go from there, but at this point in time I’m not actively pursuing.

“We’re very pleased with the squad we’ve assembled and looking forward, we’re hopeful that’s going to be enough for us to challenge and win trophies this season, but like I said a situation arose and we explored it.”

Victory play their FFA Cup quarter-final clash against Bentleigh Greens tomorrow night away from home.

Bentleigh topped the 2016 NPL Victoria table two games clear of second-placed Heidelberg United, however lost 3-1 at home in the semi-final to eventual runners-up Oakleigh Cannons.

Muscat deemed all players available for selection tomorrow night, adding attaining victory in the cup clash was no easy task.

“Being on our doorstep here, we’ve had the opportunity to watch them on many occasions. Johnny (coach John Anastasiadis) has had them well organised over a period of time,” he said.

“From that perspective we’re going to have to be organised enough to match them from that perspective and our attitude is going to have to be right because if you give away some ground in terms of your attitude to your opponent, you’re running the risk of falling in your face.”

The Victory boss said the atmosphere internally was getting serious and reiterated there were no guarantees for the starting line-up to face Brisbane Roar away in Week 1 of the A-league.

“The evidence of that (seriousness) has been in training because it’s been tense in the last couple of days,” Muscat said.

“It’s expected as well because the playing group have put in almost 12 weeks of work and they sense the games are going to start and everyone wants to be included, so the intensity and tension is increased dramatically.”