Darlington expect to sign a goalkeeper on loan today after Bert Bossu was ruled out for up to two months with a broken foot.

With Sam Russell still at least three weeks away from fitness, the injury to Bossu, sustained in Wednesday's win over Barnet, left Quakers without a first-team keeper on the books.

The transfer window does not open until Sunday but clubs are permitted to make signings in cases of emergency and with games tomorrow at Lincoln City and at home to Torquay United on Monday, Darlington quickly need a keeper.

The keeper Quakers are expecting to sign plays for a North-East Premiership club and will go straight into tomorrow's team at Sincil Bank.

He will be on an initial short-term loan which could be extended, depending on his form and the fitness of Bossu and Russell.

Bossu suffered a broken bone in his right foot during a first-half collision with team-mate Matt Clarke on Wednesday and required a cortisone injection at half-time which enabled him to play through the pain barrier.

But an examination yesterday confirmed the full extent of Bossu's injury. It comes as a big blow to the club and the Frenchman who has largely impressed since coming back into the team for the last five games as cover for Russell who is recovering from a fractured fibula.

Assistant manager Mark Proctor said Bossu was devastated on hearing of the injury and also admitted the option of giving youth keeper Jack Norton his debut was considered.

"It is unlucky for the club to have two keepers injured at the same time, especially with the games coming thick and fast, which is why it is important we bring someone in who is competent," he said.

"We made three or four enquiries this morning and we will bring one in on Friday but I do not really want to reveal his name just in case it does not materialise.

"It is a little bit too early for Jack. If it was for only one game we might have thrown him in, but it will be a month or even longer so we need someone a bit more experienced.

"We are just coming out of a bad run and we are looking to start a good run of form but if we do not recruit the right keeper that could jeopardise the good work done in recent weeks."

It was also confirmed yesterday that, as suspected, Joey Hutchinson has suffered cruiciate ligament damage to his right knee and he will be out of action until next season.

The 23-year-old sustained the same injury to his other leg in September last season.

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