Crawley manager Francis Vines is hoping to sign a central defender in time for the Reds' first big test against Hereford.

Reds have only three recognised centre backs since the summer departures of Marc Pullen and Karl Ready.

Vines missed out on two targets last week but is confident he will be successful this time.

He said: "I'm hoping to sign a player and if I do then he will go straight into contention for the game.

"He's a defender and I believe he will add something to the squad. I have brought in Ryan Palmer and Ian Simpemba, who can also play in midfield, over the summer but we need another option at the back."

Vines made eight new signings during pre-season. He says this will be the last new face but has not ruled out signing one of the trialists at the club.

Former Fulham midfielder Loui Fazackerley and ex-Albion winger Darragh Ryan have been training with Reds for the last month.

Vines said: "I'm happy with what I've got, so the summer shopping has finished for the time being in terms of players from outside the club. The trialists are different because they are already here. They are still training with us and I'm still having a look at them. Loui is someone I would probably like to keep, but we will wait and see."

Full-back Sean Hankin has been added to the squad for tonight's game after recovering from a broken toe he suffered in pre-season. Midfielder Nick Roddis is out with a knee injury.