AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown is desperately searching for a new keeper, with Grays Athletic ready to cash in on current Dons custodian Danny Knowles.

Knowles joined on loan from the Blue Square Premier side in November after Andy Little was sidelined with a broken finger.

Little's first-team return has now been put back, with the keeper not expected back until mid-February.

The Comet understands that Grays will circulate Knowles in the transfer window in a bid to off-load him permanently.

Knowles is eager to extend his stay at Kingsmeadow, but a long-term move could hamper his desire for first-team football, as he might find himself relegated to the bench once Little regains full fitness.

Dons boss Terry Brown admits sorting out the dilemma is at the top of his to-do list.

"I am desperately trying to bring in a keeper but that might not be Danny Knowles because, as far as know, Grays want to release him," Brown said.

"I have been in contact with a number of clubs - even Premier League clubs - with regards to signing a replacement.

"Whoever comes in will be here until the end of the season to battle it out with Andy once he is fit."

Little is not Brown's only concern after a flu bug swept through the club.

The Dons boss paid tribute to his depleted squad after picking up six points from two games after a comprehensive 5-2 win over promotion rivals Staines Town - courtesy of a Steve Ferguson brace, strikes from Karl Beckford and Mark Beard and a Jon Main penalty - followed a 2-1 victory over Carshalton Athletic on Boxing Day.

"It is a testament to our squad that we have picked up maximum points over the festive period," he said.

"Antony Howard had to sit out Saturday altogether, while Sam Hatton and Tony Finn could hardly put their shirts on let alone run around, but they were willing to do a job for the team."

AFC Wimbledon travel to Maidstone United on Saturday.