CHESTER City have been given permission by the Football League to sign an emergency loan goalkeeper to fill the void left by John Danby, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Danby injured his shoulder ligaments during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Notts County, and two separate medical assessments have diagnosed ruptured muscles around the shoulder.

City, who are currently subject to a transfer embargo, approached the Football League who subsequently viewed their situation sympathetically.

Chester owner Stephen Vaughan said last night: “The Football League have been extremely understanding, and we would like to publicly thank them for their positive response to our request.

“We have approached three clubs requesting permission to talk to their goalkeepers and we hope to be in a position to announce a signing on Thursday.”

The on-loan goalkeeper will go straight into the City side, who face Macclesfield in a Cheshire derby clash at the Deva Stadium on Saturday.

Danby has been talking to the Daily Post about his injury. He said: “I’m currently on antibiotics, after being told by a doctor that I had torn ligaments in my shuoulder.

“I picked up the injury in a collision towards the end of the match on Saturday. I had gone to try and claim the ball with my arm fully stretched, but I collided with one of their players, and that caused the problem.”

The former Kidderminster keeper added: “I will be there on Saturday, even if I haven’t been signed off by the doctor. I want to be at the match against Macclesfield, and give the team some support, even if I can’t play. I’m now hoping that whoever comes in, to take my place as goalkeeper, can do a good job in our five remaining league games.”

Chester are hopeful Shaun Kelly and Kevin Ellison will be fit enough to return.