SWINDON Town will head into the club’s next two games without a back-up goalkeeper after Ben Garner’s men failed to agree a short-term deal for an unnamed Championship player.

Lewis Ward is set to don the gloves for Town’s game away at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday while regular number one, Jojo Wollacott is away on international duty with Ghana.

With Town looking for a back-up goalkeeper for the next two matches, Garner revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that EFL regulations prevented the club from signing someone as cover and any new arrival must start – something the Swindon head coach was unwilling to agree to.

He said: “We haven’t come up with a solution for the goalkeeping problem.

“We had a short-term loan lined up from a Championship club who we wanted to come in to be on the bench and provide cover for Lewis Ward, but we weren’t allowed to do that.

“Through the regulations, if we brought a short-term loan in, that goalkeeper would have to play, and that’s not what we wanted.

“Lewis Ward is ready and keen to take his opportunity in the team. We just wanted some cover on the bench, and a talented goalkeeper to be there if needed.”

Town are, however, expected to welcome the club’s number one back for next weekend’s game against Rochdale at the County Ground following a first spell away with Ghana this week.

Wollacott has been included in the Black Stars’ squad for two World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe, with the second of those taking place on Tuesday.

Garner stated he expects all of his internationals – except Anthony Grant – to be back and up for selection by this time next week.

He said: “My understanding is that Jojo Wollacott will be available against Rochdale.

“I think the only player who won’t be back by then is Anthony Grant – he’s going away today, and he’s been with us all week because he couldn’t play in Jamaica’s first game.

“He will miss Rochdale because he flies next Saturday, but every other player that is away will be back and available for Rochdale.

“Grant will miss Rochdale, but he should be back training with us on the following Monday.”