DARRYL FLAHAVAN insists he is ready to be thrown in at the deep end after joining Crawley Town on a short-term contract.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper is set to make his debut for the Reds at home to Luton Town today having agreed a three-month deal with the League Two outfit yesterday.

Boss Mark Yates moved to sign the former Bournemouth stopper after Freddie Woodman was recalled early from his loan spell by Newcastle United last weekend.

It will be Flahavan’s first taste of action for more than a year having been released by the Cherries following their promotion to the Premier League last season.

Flahavan – whose last game was in September 2014 – said: “I haven’t had a club since I left Bournemouth. Portsmouth allowed me to train there which kept me in shape and I’m looking forward to this new challenge.

“I’m looking forward to competing with Callum (Preston) for the goalkeeper’s jersey and helping us climb the table. From what I’ve seen this week, the quality is certainly there for us to do that and I am ready to go if called upon on Saturday.”

Yates is expected to opt for Flahavan ahead of 19-year-old Preston against the Hatters today after making it clear he wanted more experience in goal.

Flahavan has made 460 appearances during a career which started at Southampton in 1996 and has taken him to Southend, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Oldham, Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

Yates said: “We wanted a keeper with lots of experience and Daryll certainly fits the bill.”