MORTON will be forced into the loan market to sign a new goalkeeper with crocked Brendan Pearson facing up to two months out.

The Tele can reveal that the Geordie ‘keeper could be out of action for as long as eight weeks following the injury he sustained last week.

Pearson — who signed for the Ton in February on an 18-month deal — rolled his ankle in training, giving boss David Hopkin a headache as the Betfred Cup campaign opener against Dumbarton draws closer.

Hopkin told the Tele: “I don’t know how long he’s going to be out for, maybe six to eight weeks.

“It might be something that we need to take a look at with the loan market if we can’t get him back in time for the start of the season.”

Sam Ramsbottom, who joined the club this summer, has featured in both friendlies against Forfar and St Johnstone, playing the full 90 minutes each time.

The former Alfreton Town stopper has impressed over the two games, making some important saves at crucial times as he looks set to nail down a starting position following the summer departure of Derek Gaston after seven seasons as the club’s number one.