A string of impressive performances look to have cemented keeper Sam Slocombe’s place in the Scunthorpe United line-up.

The Iron are expected to confirm an extension to fellow shot-stopper Sam Johnstone’s loan today.

But manager Alan Knill has dismissed any idea of a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon.

Since Manchester United loanee Johnstone was ruled out of action with a dislocated finger, his rival for the spot has proved his potential.

Slocombe has conceded six goals in his four successive starts, with Knill admitting it would now be tough to relegate him to the substitutes’ bench.

“I think it would be difficult to drop Sam Slocombe,” said the United boss.

“Obviously Sam Johnstone is here to play but it definitely isn’t our fault he got injured.

“And probably he would still be playing in the team if he’d stayed here.

“But while he’s been away Sam Slocombe has done really well.

“It would be difficult to say to Sam (Johnstone), ‘hold it, I’m leaving you out’.

“What I do need though is competition.

“We’ve explained to Sam that the lad’s done really well while you’ve been injured, you have to come back and compete for that place again.”

It is that need for back-up which has left Scunthorpe keen to retain the services of Johnstone.

The 18-year-old has already spent two months at Glanford Park, making eight appearances and helping the Iron to their first clean-sheet of the League One season at Brentford.

He returned to his parent club for treatment, but Knill is anticipating his return today.

“We don’t have another keeper so it would be stupid not to extend his deal,” he said.

“We’re still waiting to see if he’s fit.

“We’ve been told he trained on Monday and he’s okay, but we’re just waiting to see.

“He didn’t train at all last week, it completely shut him down.

“But I hope he’ll be available for Saturday.”

That scenario still looks to be a considerable way off for United number one Josh Lillis.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage when he collided with Colchester United striker Steven Gillespie back in September.

An initial diagnosis suggested he could be out for three months, and Knill admits he is not expecting the keeper back any time soon.

“He’s doing okay. He’s on the training ground doing some handling,” said the manager.

“I still think he’s quite a way away though.

“That’s why there’s a need for another goalkeeper.”