Paul Cox is confident of signing a new goalkeeper ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers, after learning that reserve shot stopper Ian Deakin could be out of action for six weeks.
Deakin, a summer signing from Buxton, dislocated a shoulder during the warm-up before last weekend’s home draw with Exeter City.
“He fell awkwardly,” said Cox, speaking at this morning’s press meeting. “It was totally innocuous, but they’re nasty injuries. We hope he gets well quickly, but we now have to bring another goalkeeper in.”
Acting swiftly after Deakin’s injury, ex-Notts County goalkeeper Liam Mitchell was brought in by Cox to keep goal during a 2-1 reserve win at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old, who made three starts for us on loan last season, could enter talks with the manager as early as this evening.
“We’re looking for someone who can push Alan [for the number one spot],” said Cox.
“He [Liam] did well at Doncaster, like we knew he would, and as he did last season. He was a bit unlucky not to pick up a club in the summer. We’ll probably sit down with him today after training and go from there.”
Another ex-Notts player, Hamza Bencherif, has had the chance to impress the manager after the 25-year-old linked up with the rest of the squad at this morning’s training session.
“We’ll take a good look at him. He has a good background at this level of football and knows his way around this scene.”
Paul Cox will also be without midfielder Keiran Murtagh (knee) ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers. The midfielder is expected to be out of action for three weeks.
Hear more from boss Paul Cox on Stags Player
Hear more from boss Paul Cox on Stags Player
