DORCHESTER Town are “over the moon” to secure the services of goalkeeper Jack Bycroft from Southampton, according to assistant James Wood.

Bycroft, 20, joins for the remainder of the season and has 14 games of experience with National League side Weymouth.

So far this campaign Bycroft has played 15 matches for Southampton B.

He comes in after Gerard Benfield – now at Wimborne – was recalled to Weymouth before Christmas.

Exeter loanee Harry Lee has also been struck down by illness and the Grecian is expected to remain an option for the Magpies until the end of his one-month loan.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town sign Southampton goalkeeper Jack Bycroft on loan

Speaking to Echosport, Wood said of Bycroft: “It’s fantastic. Gez was doing fantastically well for us and a day before Christmas Eve he gets called back to Weymouth.

“It put us in a very difficult situation but we understand the way that worked.

“We’re thankful to Exeter for letting us have young Harry for the month.

“Unfortunately he gets struck down with an illness and we’re back to square one, so we have to get someone else in.

“Southampton have been excellent with the way they’ve conducted themselves and the ability to let us have Jack.

“We’re over the moon to have someone of Jack’s quality. We’ll integrate him with the squad and we’re really looking forward to having Jack play for us.”

Dorchester have often chosen not to name a sub keeper on the bench, but Wood remained coy on which outfield player would don the gloves in an emergency.

“We have got cover, people that are willing to stick their hand up,” he said.

“I don’t want to name names, because it would put people on the spot. We have got options.

“We’ll see the situation with Harry as well. We’re quite keen for Harry to at least see out the month of his loan.”

On the importance of loans for keepers at professional clubs, Wood said: “They want these young keepers out playing games.

“It’s important for them that they are playing competitive games. It works well for both parties.

“It gives these lads a real insight into the rigours of non-League football and I think stands them in better stead when they go back to their parent clubs.

“The conversations we’ve had with Jack are that he can’t wait to get started – exactly the same with Harry.

“They just want to be playing football. We can offer them that.”

Bycroft could make his debut this afternoon against Taunton Town (3pm).