Bristol Rovers keeper Phillips signs for Crewe

​Bristol Rovers keeper Steve Phillips has joined Crewe Alexandra for an initial two-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

The experienced former Bristol City keeper has spent the last two months on loan with Shrewsbury after seeing his long run as first-choice at the Memorial Stadium come to an end this seasons.

"Steve's loan spell at Shrewsbury has finished and he signed a two-month loan deal with Crewe today, which will take him through to the January transfer window," said Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope.

"Crewe have expressed an interest in turning it into a permanent deal, but there is nothing concrete yet.

"Discussions will be ongoing over the next few months about the details, but it is with a view to a permanent move."

Rovers will be without keeper Mikkel Andersen, striker Chris Dickson and full-back Aaron Lescott for Friday's home FA Cup clash with Southampton.

Andersen and Dickson are both on loan and their parent clubs - Reading and Charlton - do not want the players cup tied.

Lescott could face several weeks on the sidelines after aggravating a niggling groin injury in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at MK Dons.