The Championship club have made a goalkeeper and a centre-half their top priorities as they try to prevent injuries from once again wreaking havoc with their season.

With Blackwell predicting that Ian Bennett, his first-choice shot-stopper, could miss the next "three to four weeks" after damaging ligaments in a thumb, United face being left desperately short of cover as they approach Christmas.

But even if Blackwell makes a breakthrough in time for Saturday's visit to Bristol City, he said that market regulations mean the situation is still fraught with difficulty.

Blackwell said: "We're looking to get a 'keeper here because we've only got Bunny (Mark Bunn] left.

"If we lost him then we would have a real problem on our hands. But if we do manage to recruit then whoever comes in would be on a 24 hour recall so we could find ourselves in the same position.

"We've got two or three in mind but people aren't too keen on letting lads leave at the moment because they know everyone has got a really busy schedule coming up and that it's a vitally important time."

With Darius Henderson available for selection at Ashton Gate after suspension and Richard Cresswell, who has held talks about making his move from Stoke City permanent, fast approaching full fitness after suffering a displaced rib, the pressure on United's attack has alleviated.

But despite seeing captain Chris Morgan return against Peterborough last weekend after a one-match ban, Blackwell knows that defensive reinforcements are required.

Derek Geary, who was on the bench for the 1-0 victory over Mark Cooper's side, has bolstered United's options at the back but Gary Naysmith strained a muscle after his long-awaited comeback from a long-standing knee problem.


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