Gateshead bow for new stopper

Stafford boss Steve Bull will pitch in new goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe straight in for his debut as Rangers make the long trip to Gateshead in the Blue Square North (3pm).

The 19-year-old is the mystery goalkeeper who trained with Rangers last night, with first-choice stopper Danny Alcock out for six weeks with a dislocated elbow.

The near 6ft 6in teenager is a free agent, after his release from Notts County last month, and had been on trial with Torquay before coming to Marston Road.

Bully must have liked what he saw, as he signed up the former Plymouth trainee on forms. He will have no time to take in the new surroundings, as he pitched straight in for his debut up north.

The Rangers boss said: "He impressed me. He travelled all the way up from Torquay and trained well with the squad. He is very commanding in the box, very verbal and looks like he could be an asset.

"I wanted to strengthen the goalkeeping area anyway, so hopefully he can be the player we are looking for. It could work out well. Maybe every cloud has a silver lining!"

The Stafford manager admits he has brought Sandercombe in as a case of needs must initially but he has thrown down the gauntlet to the player to earn himself a longer deal.

Bull said: "If he continues to impress, we will sit down with him and see what we can offer. Tim will have plenty of chances to show me what he can do with Danny out.

"What I would love to happen is Danny coming back and having to fight for his place, with Tim in fine form."

Rangers will be without left wing-back Ishamel Reid for the trip, who is out with a groin injury.