PHIL PARKINSON will wait to discover the extent of Callum Burton's injury before deciding whether to explore the possibility of bringing in a replacement goalkeeper but the Reds boss praised Mark Howard for his performance after coming off the bench in the 1-0 win against Barnsley at The Racecourse.

Burton was forced off with a thigh problem after 23 minutes of the League One clash and definitely won't be fit for Saturday's trip to Burton Albion.

Making his fourth league start for the Reds since joining from Plymouth Argyle in the summer, Burton has been in excellent form since replacing first choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo who broke a wrist in the 1-0 win over Mansfield Town on November 9.

Okonkwo is still a couple of weeks away from a return so Parkinson will wait for Burton's scan results before deciding whether to seek special dispensation to bring in another stopper ahead of the Burton game.

"We'll have a look at that over the next 24 hours," said the Reds' boss.

"Obviously Callum's not going to be fit for the weekend, there's no chance of that.  

"It looks like a thigh strain so he'll go straight for a scan. We won't know more till the result of that scan.

"Arthur's still a couple of weeks away so we'll just sleep on it, see the extent of the injury and make a decision going into the weekend.

"I am really disappointed for Callum because he has been brilliant since he’s come into the side.

"You've got to feel for him because he's stepped in and he's been brilliant. He's been flawless in everything he's done."

Veteran Howard, restricted to a 45-minute run-out this season in November's EFL Trophy tie at Port Vale, produced one save of note in the second half to thwart Barnsley.

Parkinson hailed the 38-year-old who last played a league game for Wrexham in December 2023.    

"Special mention for Mark because what a great example to all our young players and the lads who have not been in the team, that the senior goalkeeper has trained well everyday and is so professional," added Parkinson.

"He's been preparing himself for the moment if it comes and it did, and he took it brilliantly.

"His distribution was great and he's made one really important save for us so I think that's great for the club.

"Not great that Callum's got injured but it's great for all our players at this club, all the young players, to look at a senior player like Mark and how he's conducted himself in and around the group. They're all delighted for him in there."