Notts County goalkeeper Russell Hoult is expected to be fit for the start of the season despite suffering a stress fracture to his right tibula.

The 35-year-old, signed from Stoke this summer after a successful loan spell last term, saw the injury, confirmed by an MRI scan, flare up during pre-season training.

Manager Ian McParland told the club's official website: "It is a big blow losing Houlty during pre-season. We want him 100% for the start of the season and we feel he will be back by then.

"It would be nice to have had Houlty and Pilks [Kevin Pilkington] working together pushing for the goalkeeper's spot but right now that can't happen with the injury.

"Russell will still be working just as hard as the rest of the lads as he can still get his cardiovascular fitness in and also his handling, which is obviously without putting any pressure or weight on the injury.

"It isn't `serious serious' but it is obviously serious enough to keep him out for a while."