CITY boss Steve Castle has moved quickly to sign 20-year old goalkeeper Lee Butcher on a month s loan from Tottenham Hotspur after it was revealed that Paul Bastock s eye injury was more serious than first thought. Bastock had been an ever present for Cit

CITY boss Steve Castle has moved quickly to sign 20-year old goalkeeper Lee Butcher on a month's loan from Tottenham Hotspur after it was revealed that Paul Bastock's eye injury was more serious than first thought.

Bastock had been an ever present for City in Blue Square South this season but the injury the 38-year old goalkeeper sustained on Saturday looks like keeping him on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

Last season's Player of the Year, has suffered a fractured eye socket and Castle said after Tuesday night's draw with AFC Wimbledon that if the injury is not given time to heal properly there is a risk of a loss of sight.

Speaking to The Herts Advertiser Castle said: "Just publicly I'd like to wish Paul all the best. He's got quite a serious injury there that he's got to take time to look after; football's one thing and we all want him to get back as soon as possible but when you're talking about if he doesn't look after it then a loss of eyesight then it's very serious and I just wish he comes back fit and healthy."

Butcher made his debut on Tuesday night keeping a clean sheet as City held table topping AFC Wimbledon to a 0-0 draw, impressing people with his confident handling and accurate kicking.

The keeper, who has had loan spells at Margate, AFC Wimbledon and Grays Athletic, comes to Clarence Park on an initial one month deal but Castle isn't ruling out a deal until the end of the season, depending on how Bastock recovers.

"Lee's going to be here for a month initially and then obviously it will depend on how Paul Bastock will react to his healing but that said I've got be honest, if we can keep Lee here until the end of the season that would be great because Paul's got to look after himself now and if that means he's not playing for the rest of the season then so be it.