Hull City eye permanent deal for Fulham's David Stockdale as Steve Bruce looks to end goalkeeper loans

STEVE Bruce plans to address Hull City's goalkeeping problems once and for all in the January transfer window – and will not rule out a permanent move for new loan signing David Stockdale.

Bruce completed his final transfer act of 2012 yesterday when landing Fulham keeper Stockdale on loan until January 2.

The 27-year-old is expected to make his City debut when Burnley arrive at the KC Stadium, and with it become the Tigers' seventh goalkeeper since relegation from the Premier League in 2010.

Five of the seven used by Bruce and predecessors, Nigel Pearson and Nick Barmby, have been loan signings, and the City boss accepts a long-term answer has eluded the club since Boaz Myhill's departure.

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Bruce is unsure if Stockdale's loan can be turned into a permanent move, but stressed the need to solve an 'unhealthy' situation at the KC.

"It's something we'll look at because eventually we're going to need that part of our team settled, that's the aim," he said.

"I hope there's a possibility but I haven't yet had the conversation with Fulham to see if there's a chance.

"Let's get to January and see where we are, but I don't think it's a healthy situation. We need to have a little bit of continuity there, rather than all the chopping and changing this club has seen.

"It's something that we're looking at. We've been down the road of loan goalkeepers ever since Boaz Myhill left the club."

Bruce is keeping an open mind ahead of January, having made enquiries over Australian rookie Mat Ryan and Norway international Rune Jarstein.

Jarstein has made no secret of his willingness to join the Tigers from Norwegian outfit Viking and Bruce said: "He's one that we're monitoring.

"There's been a little bit of dialogue between the clubs and we've had discussions, but that's as far it's gone."

The short-term answer will see Stockdale make his debut when City face Burnley tomorrow, jumping to the head of the queue in front of Ben Amos and Eldin Jakupovic.

Stockdale, who started out at York City, has struggled to fulfil the potential that won him an England call-up in 2011 and a loan move away from Craven Cottage will see him enjoy his first competitive action since February.

Question marks will hang over the future of fellow loan goalkeeper Amos, but Bruce offered reassurance to the Manchester United man.

"Ben's one where we have to protect him now and again because he's so young. A young player will always reach a stage where they hit the buffers a little bit, it's only normal," he said.

"There's no reason why Ben can't come back from a little break all the fresher for it.

"It's not the end for Ben or Eldin, I just felt important to get a bit more experience.

"David isn't blessed with tons of experience but he's played in the Premier League and handled himself well. Let's hope he can come in and do well for us."