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Dartford searching for goalkeeper to replace Deren Ibrahim after call-up to Gibraltar's World Cup qualifying squad

00:00, 30 September 2016

An international call-up for goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim means Dartford are on the hunt for some back-up.

Ibrahim has been selected for the Gibraltar squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Belgium next weekend, when the Darts travel to Truro.

The Sidcup-born keeper qualifies for the island nation through his grandparents and is one of four stoppers selected by international manager Jeff Wood.

Dartford keeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford keeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton

It’s the second time Ibrahim has been asked to join up with Gibraltar but the first occasion Darts boss Tony Burman has allowed it to happen.

He said: “I had to refuse him to go last time because he would have missed three games. He would have been involved in training but not in the squad.

“I spoke to Jeff Wood and there seems more chance of him being involved with the squad this time and he will only miss the one game. You don’t want to stop players having the chance to be involved in international football.”

Now Burman is searching for someone to take over.

He said: “I have to try and find a goalkeeper now, which is a little annoying but we’ll see what happens.”

Gibraltar are the smallest UEFA member, population-wise and only recently became a member of FIFA. They lost heavily to Portugal (5-0) and Greece (4-1) last time and Ibrahim is sure to be busy if he plays.

Gibraltar visit Estonia on October 7 and play Belgium three days later in Portugal.

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