Braintree Town manager Alan Devonshire wants to have a new central defender in place in time for the Iron’s Skrill Premier trip to Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Alan Massey was forced to sit out Tuesday night’s 2-1 home league defeat by Luton Town due to concussion suffered in their previous game, the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Newport County last weekend.

And with Massey set to be out for a spell after receiving a kick to the head during that game, Devonshire is keen to bolster his back line, but he said the player he wants to bring in will need international clearance.

He said: “I’m going to try to get someone in because Alan will miss Saturday but we’ll have to wait and see if it comes to fruition.

“He got kicked in the temple and it has really shaken him up.

“To be fair he is still feeling it and he’ll definitely be out for the weekend.

“So I’m working on it but if it happens it happens and if it doesn’t it doesn’t – it’s one of those at the moment.

“I’d like to get in a centre-half and the guy I’m after is a free agent at the moment.

“The only problem may be getting international clearance and if there is a problem then it will be a no-no.

“Getting someone on a loan can be difficult because their club will want them to play and if Massey is fit in ten to 12 days then he won’t be playing.

“So I’m hoping to get it sorted for Saturday.”