Simon Grayson has confirmed that goalkeeper Andy Lonergan could be sidelined until December.

The summer signing suffered a fractured finger during Friday's 3-0 win at Doncaster Rovers and has already undergone surgery.

"It could be about six weeks," confirmed Grayson.

"He's had an operation on his finger. Hopefully he'll be back quickly, but I think that's the time span we're looking at.

"I'm more than happy what we've got with Paul and I've got Alex Cairns who can sit on the bench."

Since joining the club, Lonergan was an ever present in the league until Tuesday's clash with Coventry City. Paul Rachubka stepped in to replace Lonergan with teenager Alex Cairns sitting on the bench.

Prior to Lonergan's arrival in late summer, Rachubka had played regularly in pre-season with Cairns also tasting senior action for the first time.