Torquay United should know early next week whether the search for a new goalkeeper has hit its No.1 target.Southampton youngster Michael Poke, 22, remains the Gulls' first choice and, although manager Paul Buckle refuses to name names, he did say: "I am hoping for an answer by Monday."

I understand that there is no problem between the two clubs - United want Poke and Southampton would be happy for him to return to Plainmoor.

The West London-born 'keeper spent a month on loan with Torquay last season, and Saints could favour a longer loan agreement this time.

It is a time of year when many players are still hedging their bets.

Poke remains third choice at St. Mary's Stadium, but he spent an impressive his six-match loan spell with United last season.

His senior experience is limited to stints with Woking and Torquay and a three-and-a-half match spell in Southampton's Championship side near the end of last season.

He took over from the injured Kelvin Davis at half-time in a 2-2 draw at Wolves and played three more games before he picked up an injury himself in a 5-0 defeat at Hull in March.

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