NEWPORT County boss Peter Nicholas will hang fire on signing an on-loan goalkeeper until the full extent of Pat Mountain's leg injury is known.

However, Nicholas has drafted in former County academy and Plymouth Argyle YTS goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, stopper at Welsh league Newport YMCA, as cover for tonight's Dr Martens Premier Division match at Halesowen Town (7.45pm).

Mountain, who injured his left knee in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Cambridge City, underwent scans at a Cardiff hospital yesterday and the results should be known today, causing Nicholas to postpone moves for possible replacements.

Top Welsh surgeon John Fairclough believes Mountain's injury is not cruciate knee ligament but more likely cartilage problems.

But Welsh semi-pro international Mountain said: "I expect to be out for at least four weeks.

"I'm not in pain but I just can't move my left leg. I'm gutted because it's come at such a crucial time of the season. It's a nightmare."

However, Nicholas said: "I won't bring someone in on-loan for a month if Pat is only going to be sidelined for two weeks."

But if Mountain is out for a month or even longer, it is thought Newport-born former Welsh Under-21 and Cardiff City goalie Lee Kendall, currently at Welsh Premier strugglers Haverfordwest County, is top of Nicholas' wanted list.

Nicholas' midfielder Mike Fowler (ankle) is injured and will miss tonight's game at relegation-threatened Halesowen, who have won three and drawn one of their last four, with Nathan Davies taking his place.

County have sold half of their 1,500 allocation of tickets for next Monday's FAW Premier Cup semi-final with Cardiff City. And today is the final day for season ticket holders to claim their seats.