Town boss Lee Clark has recalled goalkeeper Simon Eastwood from his loan spell at Blue Square National side Woking.
The 19-year old custodian was due to stay with the Cards until February 26th but with Town shot-stopper Matt Glennon undergoing a knee operation, Town have activated the 24-hour recall clause and Simon will return to the Club to compete with England Under-19 'keeper Alex Smithies for a first-team place.
Eastwood has impressed in his 14 games for relegation-threatened Woking and will now feature in today's totesport.com league reserve match at Bradford City, kick-off 2pm.
Town boss Lee Clark explained that Simon's return was a key factor in the timing of Glennon's operation:
"There has been a lot of talk about Alex Smithies and rightly so, but don't forget we are in the happy position of having two quality teenage 'keepers on the books.
"We've kept very close tabs on Simon during his time at Woking and we know he's been doing well down there. Our goalkeeping coach John Vaughan has watched him in person several times, we've had other scouts at their games and I've been in close contact with their manager Phil Gilchrist - he's been delighted with Simon's form. The experience he has gained will be invaluable should we need to call on him."
Eastwood told htafc.com that he enjoyed his experience in Surrey:
"It was very good for me personally to go to Woking and play some games - it was a real experience for me," the Town Academy graduate explained.
"It isn't always the easiest thing as a goalkeeper to go into a team that is low on confidence, but they are a good set of lads and I enjoyed my time there. I hope they avoid relegation this season.
"I know that Alex has been doing well, but now I am back I plan to push him as much as I can for the first team shirt."
