LATICS goalkeeper Ian Lawlor has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old had only played one game for new boss Keith Curle before sustaining the injury in training as they prepared to face Cambridge United at home following the goalless draw at Port Vale.

Lawlor, who is on a season-long loan from Doncaster Rovers, rolled his ankle and is now wearing a protective boot, with the damage done significant enough to leave him sidelined for at least the next seven weeks.

So Latics will look to extend the emergency loan agreement with MK Dons for Laurie Walker, who starred in last night's 2-1 triumph over play-off pushing Exeter City to secure Curle's first win as head coach.

But while Curle is pleased with Walker's form and the way he has instantly slotted into their dressing room environment, he said it was a cruel blow for Lawlor.

"His season is finished, which is a shame," said the Latics head coach.

"I was very impressed with him when I came in but he only lasted one game. He went over on his ankle in training.

"I'm disappointed for the lad."

Lawlor had made 39 appearances for Latics since arriving in August and had kept back-to-back clean sheets in his last two games.

The Dubliner is out of contract with Doncaster this summer, and Curle revealed he had opted to stay at Boundary Park for the duration of his loan and to receive treatment rather than return to his parent club.

"He is still around the club for his rehabilitation and says that's where he sees his involvement," said Curle, who will look to secure a further emergency loan extension for Walker.

"It will be another phone call to MK Dons," he explained.

"He is a goalkeeper that hasn't had that much league experience, for his age anyway, but every player wants to be playing.

"He has blended in very well and he has a presence.

"He is enjoying it here and he has got a good character."