Barnet have signed Manchester City goalkeeper Ian Lawlor on an emergency loan after Martin Allen revealed Jamie Stephens had been struggling with an injury for a fortnight.

The former Liverpool youngster has deputised for Graham Stack – himself sidellined following groin surgery – since the end of August.

But, without warning, Stephens was left out of the matchday 18 for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Yeovil Town.

Lawlor, 21, was a surprise inclusion in goal for the Bees with the signing of the Dubliner only confirmed prior to kick-off.

Explaining the arrival of the Republic of Ireland youth international, Allen said: “Jamie Stephens wasn’t really fit for the Newport County game. He played in that game and that was something I had to keep quirt.

“He made several excellent saves but he was struggling with kicking and didn’t train before the Newport game but we couldn’t say he wasn’t fit. We knew he wouldn’t be available for this game.

“We couldn’t find another goalkeeper because every teams wants to have four or five nowadays. Manchester City have got five so we managed to get in their fourth choice because I know someone there quite well.”

The loan window shut at the end of last month but Barnet were given dispensation to sign Lawlor as both Stephens and Stack are injured.

Rule 54 in the Football League regulations states clubs are allowed to sign a goalkeeper on loan for a week if all their professional keepers are injured.

However, the loan can only be renewed for another week if further medical certification is provided by an independent medical practitioner.

Lawlor has played in the NextGen Series for the Citizens but hadn't made his professional debut prior to Saturday.