Dons Defensive Woes Increase

Last updated : 22 February 2006 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen's latest defensive injury crisis has spread to between the sticks. Jamie Langfield has picked up a foot knock in training which means he joins Ryan Esson on the sidelines.

Langfield's injury comes as Dons gaffer Jimmy Calderwood was already making moves to get special dispensation from the SPL to bring in goalkeeping cover outwith the transfer window.

Calderwood told the Evening Express: "Jim Leighton has been working his way through his contacts.

"We are still waiting to hear if we will be given permission to sign a keeper on loan."

'Mad as a brush' stopper Esson damaged knee ligaments last week and has been ruled out for the next month.

The keeper crisis has hit the Dons while they are still fielding a makeshift back four on a weekly basis. Michael Hart is out for the season and Richie Byrne is still weeks away from full fitness.

This is compounded by Monday's news that Jamie Smith will not return from a hamstring injury until after the league split.

Fortunately for the Dons there is no game at the weekend thanks to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, but if an answer to the goalkeeping problem cannot be found by next week perhaps big bandy Jim should put the address book down and get the gloves on.