FOREST Green boss Ady Pennock has moved to temper the injury concerns over first-choice keeper Steve Arnold by agreeing a one-year contract with QPR target Jonny Maxted.

The 21-year-old former Hartlepool and Doncaster player had caught the eye during a man-of-the-match display - saving a penalty in Forest Green's 1-1 pre-season draw with Championship outfit Cardiff City.

Pennock made his move for Maxted after Arnold was stretchered off during the first half of Wednesday night's friendly against Aston Villa.

Pennock said: "I'm very pleased that Jonny has joined us. We are hopeful Steve will return to training next week, but this gives us great competition between the three goalkeepers.
"He (Jonny) obviously impressed in the Cardiff game, but I've known Jonny for a while having watched him at Doncaster when I was at Stoke."

Maxted is a product of Doncaster Rovers' youth system and spent six years at the South Yorkshire club before graduating to the first team squad, and was a regular back-up to Ross Turnbull and Sam Johnstone at the Keepmoat.

After spending most of last season at Hartlepool United, Maxted had been on trial at QPR this summer before answering the call from Rovers.

Maxted added: "It's a great club. Obviously I played last week and it's something I want to be part of.

"I'm going to come in here and do my best. That's all I can do. The Conference is a really good level to be at.

"The facilities here are as good as a Football League club. I've got a flat viewing tomorrow and if all goes well I'll be moving down here."