League One strugglers Crewe Alexandra have signed Fulham reserve goalkeeper Neil Etheridge on an emergency loan.

The Alex have conceded 36 in 16 league games this season – the worst record in English football’s top four divisions.

And, having already used three keepers this season, boss Steve Davis has opted bring in a new face for Saturday’s derby clash at home to Port Vale.

The 23-year-old London-born Philippines international has previously been on loan at Charlton and Bristol Rovers.

Having swapped this season between veteran Steve Phillips and Alan Martin, his understudy for the past two years, Davis turned to youngster Ben Garratt for Tuesday night’s FA Cup first round replay at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

But Garratt’s error led to Wycombe’s crucial opening goal as the Alex bowed out 2-0.

Davis had already warned earlier this week, following last Saturday’s 5-0 caning at Brentford, that his patience with his squad had run out.