KELLY YOUGA could be thrown into action with Crawley’s defensive problems mounting.

Darren Ward has been ruled out for the season with a foot problem.

Fellow centre-back Dean Leacock may also miss the remainder of the campaign after being forced off 20 minutes into his comeback at Crewe with a recurrence of the groin injury which has sidelined him since Boxing Day.

Former Charlton defender Youga has yet to play after a spell in China but his international clearance has now come through and he could feature at home to Oldham on Monday.

After a goalless draw at Gresty Road, boss Dean Saunders revealed: “Darren Ward has a floating bone in his foot which causes him all sorts of problems so he is out for the season.

“I was hoping Dean could go in, get us through the game, get us the three points we needed and then see how he was for Monday but the risk we took with him didn’t pay off and now we are really short.

“Kelly’s international clearance has come through so I have another player we can add on.

“He is not matchfit. He hasn’t played for ages but he is available.”