Darlington have been dealt a blow after goalkeeper Andy Oakes was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.The 30-year-old, who will need an operation after being ruled out for around six months, was vying for a place between the sticks with in-form stopper David Stockdale and has been limited to just six starts since joining from Swansea in the summer.

Boss Dave Penney told the club's official website: "He didn't seem that bad but he walked off during training on New Year's Eve with a sore shoulder but unfortunately he needs surgery and will be out for a while with ligament damage and bone damage."

The Quakers boss will now trawl the market for back-up for Stockdale but is concerned he will struggle to find a goalkeeper that is willing to sit on the bench.

He added: "We are making some phone calls and we are waiting for some answers as to what is out there goalkeeper-wise. The difficult thing is if we bring a keeper in on loan then the club usually wants him to play."

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