Luke Williams has explained that Notts County are in the market for a potential new arrival in the goalkeeper department despite a positive display from Tiernan Brooks on his league debut at the weekend.
The Magpies were forced to fill the gap left by regular number one Sam Slocombe after he picked up a hamstring injury in training during preparations for the trip to Hayes Lane - something that could leave him sidelined for several weeks.
With on-loan Norwich City goalkeeper Archie Mair named amongst the substitutes, the 20-year-old was given the nod after featuring for Hednesford Town and Boston United during two loan spells this campaign, with Brooks called into action just eight minutes into the contest at Bromley.
READ MORE: Macaulay Langstaff named in provisional England C squad following excellent Notts County season
When Geraldo Bajrami was caught the wrong side of Corey Whitely, Brooks was given the monumental task of saving the spot-kick - something Slocombe is yet to achieve in a Notts shirt, with Adam Marriott stepping up after scoring in the Raven's previous match from 12 yards against Torquay.
Albeit a poor penalty, Brooks saved with his legs much to the delight of the 645 travelling Magpies fans to his right, but ten minutes later was forced to try and repeat his heroics after being adjudged to have taken down a Bromley player inside the area, with Marriott making no mistake and sending him the wrong way.
On an action-packed debut which was almost cut short after a momentary lapse in concentration saw him escape a second booking, the Notts boss explained he was happy with the 20-year-old's performance.
"I think he did very well," said Williams.
"I did think there would be moments in the game that would be difficult for him and of course you expect that and I think there was one action where he took a little too long with the ball - other than that I think he played very well.
"He distributed the ball very well, made some big saves, and commanded the box well, so I am happy with him."
Despite Brooks' positive showing, it was revealed after full-time that the Notts chief was keen to bolster his goalkeeping options, despite having Canaries loanee Mair also within his ranks.
"In terms of goalkeepers, we are going to look at the options that we already have.
"Tiernan gave a great performance I think in my opinion, so he has given us hope that he has a bright future with us - but we also need to look at whether someone can come in.
"It's a big moment in the season and we have a number of goalkeepers we are looking at."
It has been a position in recent seasons that has seen many loan arrivals through the door at Meadow Lane, with Sunderland's Anthony Patterson and Liverpool's Vitezslav Jaros joining the Magpies last season and impressing during their time under Ian Burchnall.
However, despite the proposition of another goalkeeper joining Williams' ranks, the situation drew comparisons to former Notts goalkeeper Darren Ward, who now works with the England national team as a goalkeeper coach.
Having played 81 times for Mansfield and making his debut at 18 years old, he moved to Notts for £150,000 just three years later, making 252 appearances and being remarked as one of the best goalkeepers the club had seen before moving across the River Trent to Nottingham Forest.
Brooks has been regarded as the future replacement for Slocombe in years to come, and this could be his opportunity to showcase the undeniable talent we all know he possesses - rather than seeking a replacement in the loan market.
READ NEXT:
- Five things learned from Notts County's 1-1 draw with Bromley
- 'Emotional' Luke Williams keeps comments in check as Notts County denied late on at Bromley
- Notts County player ratings vs Bromley as Macaulay Langstaff salvages late point
- Notts County team news vs Bromley as enforced defensive changes revealed
