Derby County goalkeeper Sam French has joined Stevenage on a seven-day emergency loan, the League Two side have confirmed.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper has made the move in order to cover the absence of Stevenage number one Paul Farman following his one-game suspension for an accumulation of five yellow cards in the league this season.

French has already had a part to pay for his new temporary club, after being immediately added to Stevenage's matchday squad for their 1-0 win at home to fellow League Two strugglers Morecambe.

With Sacha Bastien starting in goal for Stevenage for the first time in the league this season French was named on the bench for the hosts, as Scott Cuthbert scored the only goal of the game to give Mark Sampson's side a much needed 1-0 win, lifting them off the foot of the League Two table at the expense of Morecambe.

Stevenage are next in action on Tuesday night when they host Fulham's Under 23s side in the group stage of the EFL Trophy, a game which French - who has yet to make an appearance in senior football - will be available for.

The Verdict

I think this could be a decent move for French.

Regardless of what happens during his time at Stevenage, this does feel like a big opportunity for the teenager.

Even if he doesn't get on the pitch for his new temporary club, that time around a matchday squad at this level will still be a useful thing for him, considering it is not something he has gained before.

Indeed, French may even feel he has a good chance of featuring in that EFL Trophy game on Tuesday, given it would allow Stevenage to play that game without worrying about any injuries or suspensions their regular 'keepers may pick up for the more important league campaign.