Town manager Joe Royle says that he could look to the loan market to replace crocked midfielder Alan Mahon. The Irishman is expected to be out for up to six weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up against Stoke on Saturday.

Royle says: "There is room within the budget to bring in another loan player and that's something I would consider.

"We need to first of all assess the situation, but while a new face is unlikely before tomorrow's visit to Crystal Palace it's a possibility before the weekend.

"But the fact that I might look to bring in a player on loan does not mean a lack of faith in any of our own players."

Mahon is having a scan on his hamstring problem today and will hope that the initial diagnosis of a muscle tear is incorrect.

Under the current loan rules Nationwide League clubs can have up to four players on short-term loans at the same time.

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