Rotherham United and their goalkeeper situation ... Is it a loan? Is it Viktor Johansson? Is it Robbie Hemfrey?

Viktor JohanssonViktor Johansson
Viktor Johansson
Both of the Millers' senior shot-stoppers have been hit by injuries.

ROTHERHAM United are struggling in their bid to bring in a goalkeeper on an emergency loan deal to cover for injured shot-stoppers Viktor Johansson and Josh Vickers.

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They have been trying to sign a keeper on a seven-day contract with the intention of playing him in two key matches during the Championship survival run-in: Saturday's trip to Bristol City and next Thursday's home clash against Cardiff City.

So far their efforts to find fresh blood have gone unrewarded but they haven't given up on their search.

In the meantime, they are allowing Johansson, who has a shoulder complaint, a chance to prove hit fitness and possibly make a surprise return at Ashton Gate.

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Vickers suffered groin damaged in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with runaway leaders Burnley and is definitely out for an unspecified period.

“In terms of the loan market, we have been banging our heads against a few brick walls to bring in the type of keeper we need," manager Matt Taylor said.

"We are trying to give Viktor as long as we can. He's done a bit of handling today and we will probably make a decision tomorrow morning in relation to the goalkeeping department and what we can and cannot achieve within it.

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"In all honesty, Viktor is still in a lot of pain and there's a lack of movement there. Viktor being the player he is, he wants to put himself forward. But we have got to be sensible as to whether he can contribute to a performance.

"He has been improving on a daily basis and he is not a million miles away but he hasn't done any diving yet."

If there is no arrival and Johansson isn't risked, youngster Robbie Hemfrey, who made his senior debut as a substitute for Vickers in the Clarets encounter, will be between the sticks for the Millers.

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Premier League goalkeepers are ineligible for emergency loans so Rotherham can't look towards the top flight to make signing.

A new addition would automatically rule out Johansson for the Robins and Bluebirds matches because injured keepers can't play during the time of the loan even if they return to fitness.

The Millers are permitted to enter the emergency market as both their 'professional' shot-stoppers are out of action. Hemfrey, aged 21, isn't classed in that category by the EFL because he hasn't featured in enough games.

Any loans are renewable on a seven-day basis.