Crawley Town have signed goalkeeper Paul Jones on a 28-day loan from Portsmouth.

Boss Mark Yates moved to bring in the former Peterborough United stopper after having to name 41-year-old goalkeeping coach Andy Little on the bench for the 1-0 defeat by Mansfield on Saturday.

Yates was left with just rookie keeper Callum Preston to choose from following the departure of Darryl Flahavan two weeks ago when a contract offer was withdrawn.

Jones joined Pompey from Crawley in June 2014 but has made just two appearances in League Two this season and has not seen any action since September.

The 29-year-old – who made 105 appearances for Reds after joining from Peterborough in May 2012 - will become the fourth goalkeeper Crawley have used this season if he plays at Stevenage on Saturday with Freddie Woodman starting the campaign as first choice.

If Jones does get the nod then it would be harsh on 20-year-old Preston who was named man of the match against Mansfield but Yates has highlighted the need for more experience in goal as Reds bid to halt a run of five defeats in the last six games.

Yates said: “We’re delighted to have Paul with us and I’d like to thank (Portsmouth manager) Paul Cook for allowing us to take him on loan.

“Young Callum Preston has made great strides this season but we need to have two good keepers at the club and Paul brings massive experience and he is a big presence in the penalty area."