Town boss Kieran McKenna says third-choice keeper Nick Hayes is set to be out for a few months due to the injury which has led to the short-term signing of former Rochdale man Joel Coleman.

Coleman, 27, has signed on a contract until January after Hayes suffered the knock in the 3-2 U21s victory over Bristol City at Playford Road a fortnight ago. Academy keepers Lewis Ridd and Antoni Bort are also currently sidelined.

Hayes, 23, rejoined the club in January from Hemel Hampstead having come through the academy at Town during which time he was capped by England at U17 level. The Clacton-born keeper is yet to make his senior debut for the Blues.

“Nick has an injury to his ankle that he picked up playing for the U21s,” McKenna said. “Very unfortunate for him, so he's seeing a specialist at the moment and deciding whether it needs surgical repair.

“So he's going to be out for a few months and obviously that leaves us a little bit lighter in the goalkeeping department and we have one or two injuries to our goalkeepers who would normally back up the first-team squad.

“Joel was available and someone that [goalkeeper-coach] Rene [Gilmartin] has come across before and has good recommendations, and actually knows a few of our players from Fleetwood [Wes Burns and Janoi Donacien] and from Oldham [George Edmundson], and he's joined us over the last few days and is going to be with us over the next few months at least.”

Photo: Matchday Images

WhoisJimmyJuan added 17:31 - Nov 4 Hemel Hempstead
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