Keeper woe for Tranmere

Tranmere Rovers' number one John Achterberg is expected to be sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury.

Achterberg damaged his medial collateral ligament during Rovers' 6-1 defeat at promotion rivals Hull City on Saturday.

Scans have shown the 33-year-old has hurt the ligament and he will miss the busy Christmas period and most of January.

The Dutchman's absence will hand back-up keeper Russell Howarth the chance to stake a claim to be first choice.

Howarth replaced Achterberg at Hull before being substituted himself after picking up a knock but he should be fit to face Barnsley on Boxing Day.

But Achterberg's injury has put Rovers boss Brian Little in a quandary as to whether to bring in cover for Howarth.

"It's difficult to know what to do," lamented Little on the club's official website.

"Whether we go out and fetch someone in who doesn't play any football. People are reluctant to send someone out and have them play in your reserve team."