Airdrieonians have signed young Hibernian goalkeeper Murray Johnson on a one-week emergency loan.
The 18-year-old, who had a spell at New Broomfield earlier in the season before being recalled last month, joins with Josh Rae suspended following Saturday's red card at Dunfermline.
Rae gave away a penalty late on in the match and 38-year-old player/goalkeeping coach David Hutton came on and saved the spot-kick from Kyle Benedictus to earn the Diamonds a 1-1 draw.
With Hutton the only other shot-stopper available for Saturday's visit of Falkirk, the Diamonds have moved quickly to bring in Johnson and he will now likely start the game between the sticks given his performances for the club during his last stint, which saw him win the club's player of the month in August.
A statement from the Diamonds read: "Highly-rated Hibernian goalkeeper Murray Johnson will return to Airdrie on a one-week emergency loan deal with Josh Rae suspended following last Saturday’s red card.
"18-year-old Johnson featured five times for the Diamonds earlier this season under a similar arrangement, and his performances earned him the club’s Player of the Month award for August.
"We would like to express our gratitude to Hibernian FC for their assistance, especially at such a difficult time for the club, and we look forward to welcoming Murray to the squad for Saturday’s match against Falkirk."
Hutton had told Lanarkshire Live Sport earlier this week he was ready to step up to the plate and start this weekend as third-place Diamonds look to gain ground on second-place Bairns.
He said: And he says he will be ready to step up to the plate in another huge game for the club’s bid to reach the Championship.
He said: “I love the club and I’ll just need to be ready for Saturday and do my bit gain for the boys and the club.
“It’s a bit different this year being a coach and a player but I am enjoying it and I am always ready to play a part.
“Hopefully we can get a good result this week.
“We are looking to secure the play-off place now, tick as many games off as we can.
“Falkirk are a good side. I watched them against Darvel in the cup the other week.
“They’ve got good wingers, good pace and looked a really good team. We will focus on us and try to win the game."
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