Crawley Town boss Mark Yates has ruled out a move for Albion prospect Christian Walton.

Reds are in the market for a new goalkeeper after England under-20 international Freddie Woodman was recalled early from his loan by Newcastle United last weekend.

Yates showed an interest in Walton during the summer but has hinted he is keen to bring in a more experience keeper ahead of tomorrow’s League Two clash with Luton Town.

Asked if Walton, 19, was an option Yates said: “Not at the moment I don’t think. We’ve been offered some fantastic goalkeepers at some really big clubs but most of them are 18 or 19.

“The decision I’ve got to make is whether we go with somebody a bit more experienced. If we were riding high at the top of the table we might be thinking slightly differently but we are not quite where we want to be at the minute.

“We want someone who when things aren’t going quite so well will just give the defenders a prod in the right direction so that is something we’ve got to factor into our decision-making.

“I am exploring that option to have a voice so hopefully we’ll get something by the weekend.”

Callum Preston, 19, started the last two games for Crawley while Woodman was on international duty and Yates insists he would have no qualms about throwing him in again tomorrow if necessary.

“Callum did exceptionally well last weekend,” said Yates. “I’m not saying he won’t start as he is probably exceeding our expectations as young goalkeeper.”

Reds will be without striker Gavin Tomlin against Luton after he suffered an injury setback in training this week while Joe McNerney is a major doubt having limped off in the victory over Leyton Orient last weekend. Yates also confirmed long-term injury victim Lanre Oyebanjo is probably out for another month.