McEwan hopes Forest will allow Gamble to join them on loan and will keep an eye on the availablity of Sheffield United's Jamie Annerson after his display for Stags at Boston United on Saturday.

"I had Paddy as a young lad at York so I know what he can do and he is better now," said McEwan.

"We probably need to bring in a young keeper as cover. We are waiting on medical reports on Jason. They tell me he has had this problem for three years!

"It just keeps on flaring up, And it's not the knee that he hurt in the warm up at Ilkeston.

"It is disappointing for the player and for us.

"We have a player who, at the stage of the season, hasn't even played a full game for us yet.

"It was very good of Kevin Blackwell to let me borrow Jamie Annerson. I watched him play for Sheffield United at Alfreton on Friday and he did well.

"He may be one we can bring in some time in the future. But right now they are not letting him go out as he is their third choice keeper. We will keep an eye on it.

"Jamie had no chance with the goals on Saturday and he even saved a penalty – it was only the dozy defenders who didn't follow-up the loose ball then."

• Sign up to our free StagsWatch mobile text alert. Are you one of the lucky ones who have already signed up to this service? If not, read how to sign up here.