Waltz in the Park

...as the current Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper joins the club on a short-term loan deal.

The move comes on the back of an injury to Luke McCormick which leaves James Bittner as the only fit goalkeeper in the first-team squad, and youth-team custodian Cory Harvey as cover. Walton left Home Park for Albion in February 2013 on an initial three-year-deal.

“We’ve got good competition for places now, with the likes of Luke, James and Cory,” said. “We have four that can vie for the No. 1 position.

“I’m hopeful Luke will be fit fairly soon but I needed to cover all bases and Luke is progressing well but with the window shutting in less than a week’s time, then I can’t be left short. 

“I had a few options of goalkeepers from different clubs and I just thought it was important to take in somebody that knew the football club. It gives him an opportunity to hopefully get some games. He can vie with James Bittner for that. He’s coming back his home club and he’s not played here before, and I think that it will be a good move for him.

“He is at a stage in his career where he needs to play matches.

“He’s a very tall goalkeeper; he’s agile; he’s quick; and he’s a communicator as well. He’s only 20 years of age but he’s had a good grounding at Plymouth Argyle to start with and he’s moved on to the bigger stage at Brighton

“I’m very friendly with [Brighton assistant] Colin Calderwood, who I was assistant to at Hibs, so he has done me a good favour there and we’ve been able to get him in.”.

Christian could make his debut in Saturday’s Devon Derby against Exeter City.

“I wouldn’t have any doubts,” said Derek. “He’s been with England and he’s been with Brighton. He’s played against Tottenham Hotspur there and he’s played in the Championship, so I’ve not got a problem. He’s already been at Bury this season. James Bittner did really well last week so it’s good that I’ve got that choice between the two.

“It’s always an equal competition and it’s equal for everybody and that’s the beauty of having a good squad. I will make a decision on that.”