TOWN will resist bringing in a loan keeper and give Phil Senior the chance to anchor a fresh assault on the Third Division play-off slots.
The 21-year-old has been on the bench for all 22 League and Cup matches so far but steps between the sticks against leaders Hull City at the McAlpine on Saturday with a chance to keep the shirt.
The broken right hand suffered by Ian Gray in the Accrington FA Cup defeat is likely to keep the previous ever-present out until the New Year.
That means a big opportunity for Senior and for the club's physio and goalkeeping coach Lee Martin, who seems certain to be on the bench as back-up.
The 35-year-old hasn't played a senior match for Town since signing for Blackpool 11 years ago, but he is registered at the McAlpine and played twice for Macclesfield last season.
Manager Peter Jackson said: "I am not going to rush into signing a keeper on loan when we've got Phil ready to step in.
"He did well in the matches he played towards the end of last season and now he's got a great chance to establish himself this time after waiting a while for an opportunity.
"It's a big blow to lose Trigger (Gray) after he's done so well for us this season, but I've no doubt Phil is keen to grab this chance and to have a good long run in the first team."
Senior went on for the final crucial moments of the 1-0 first round exit at Accrington, sick to be beaten by a swerving strike from Andy Gouck in stoppage time.
"I felt desperately sorry for Phil," added Jackson.
"It was an awful situation in which to go into a game like that and, apart from taking a goal kick and picking the ball out of the net, he never had a touch.
"It was a sickener for him, but Phil is a genuine lad who wants to do well and he's got a chance on Saturday in a big, big game against Hull to put all that disappointment behind him.
"No-one will be keener to keep a clean sheet, that's for sure, and he's coming in at a vital stage for the club.
"These two matches coming up against Hull and Mansfield are against what I believe to be the best two teams in the division, so it's a massive test for us.
"I know everyone is bitterly disappointed about our away form and about going out of the Cup, and no-one is more disappointed than me, but there is still a long way to go this season, we are ninth in the table with an awful lot to play for and, while our squad is being stretched to the limits, it's important we remain positive and relish the games coming up."
Jackson is hoping that skipper Rob Edwards and winger John Thorrington will be able to take part in a training practice match on Thursday.
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