THE Newport County AFC goalkeeping injury concerns have now turned into a full-blown crisis with the news that Lenny Pidgeley has broken his thumb.

The County number one sustained the injury in the 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion on Sunday and is now a major doubt for Wednesday’s home clash with Oxford United.

And with back-up stopper Jamie Stephens still sidelined by a hamstring injury it leaves manager Justin Edinburgh with few options.

He could turn to 18-year-old Academy 'keeper Connor Christie, who played during pre-season, or defender Andy Sandell, who has been on standby to don the gloves since Stephens’ injury on December 10.

Pidgeley did play on with the injury for around an hour on Sunday but Edinburgh would not want to risk the long-term availability of his number one ‘keeper if he can help it.

The Exiles boss may therefore be forced to look into bringing in a goalkeeper on a short-term emergency loan deal before the transfer window opens on January 1.

After the match at Burton, Pidgeley was optimistic that he would be able to face Oxford at Rodney Parade.

“I took a heavy whack on my thumb in the first half and pretty much got through the second half on adrenaline,” he said.

“It is really painful and hopefully it will settle down by Wednesday. It is pretty swollen so it’s not ideal.

“I think Jamie is still a couple of weeks away and obviously it is only me and Jamie at the club so I think we’ll get the gloves back on Sands this week (in training).

“He’s not bad in goal to be fair but hopefully I’ll be ready for Wednesday.”

But he has since posted an update on his Twitter account, which reads: “Not good news thumb is broken.

“Point blank header from about 5 yards, took it on the end of my thumb felt like had fallen off.”

Pidgeley has played with a hand injury this season and he added: “Played about 6 games with a splint on, couldn't bend it at all was horrible.”

The County custodian is, however, optimistic that the side can bounce back from Sunday’s defeat with or without him against Oxford.

“It’s going to be a good game but I fancy our chances against anyone at home,” he said.

“We’ve got the best home record so we’ve got a good chance of beating anyone who comes to Rodney.

“We have still got a game in hand and if we can get the three points from that we’re definitely in the mix.

“We’ve been on a good run lately so it’s not doom and gloom because we’ve lost one game.

“Its how we bounce back now and if we can get a win on New Year’s Day we’ve got a couple of winnable games after that so I’m sure we can keep the form going.”