TOWN’S teenage goalkeeper Simon Eastwood faces another two months on the sidelines.
The 18-year-old England age group international has had an operation after suffering a stress fracture of a foot.
The surgery was performed in Rochdale, and Eastwood will return in two weeks for a check and to have the stitches removed.
Eastwood had been the regular deputy for first choice Matt Glennon since the departure of Paul Rachubka to Blackpool during the transfer window last January, but has yet to appear in a first-team match.
His fellow England youth international Alex Smithies has been on the bench for Town’s last four games.
The 17-year-old is likely to be in action when Town Reserves host Morecambe in their final Pontin’s League Cup group game on Wednesday (7.00).
Previously, they beat Tranmere 1-0 at home and drew 1-1 at Chester.
Midfielder James Berrett (hamstring) and striker Lucas Akins (ankle) could also figure after injuries.
But striker Luke Malcher is still going through his rehabilitation after a back problem and is unlikely to be considered for second-team selection until the home Pontin’s League meeting with Walsall tomorrow week..
