HULL City's search for a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window has intensified after seeing Ben Amos recalled by parent club Manchester United.
Amos' season-long loan deal with the Tigers was terminated amicably yesterday following a swift fall from prominence at the KC Stadium during the closing weeks of 2012.
The 22-year-old's departure leaves City boss Steve Bruce with a worrying lack of goalkeeping options at his disposal.
With Mark Oxley ineligible for tomorrow's FA Cup date with Leyton Orient after previously playing in this year's competition on loan at Burton Albion, Eldin Jakupovic is the only recognised keeper available to face the O's.
Jakupovic's run of three consecutive clean-sheets has demonstrated ample promise, but Bruce's desire to recruit a third goalkeeping option will not have altered.
Beverley-born Blackburn captain Paul Robinson became the latest keeper linked with the Tigers in reports yesterday, joining former loan star David Stockdale on a list of potential newcomers.
The 33-year-old, who grew up playing in the Hull Boys Sunday League, has long been expected to leave Ewood Park this month, sparking speculation linking him with possible moves to LA Galaxy as well as Fulham and West Ham.
Robinson's wage demands would provide an obvious stumbling block and sources close to the player say there have been no City talks at present, with a move to East Yorkshire rated as 'unlikely'.
Bruce would prefer to see a senior figure hold down his number one jersey for the remainder of City's promotion bid and the exit of Amos will have come as little surprise.
Despite starting City's first 19 league and cup games this season, the 22-year-old tumbled down the pecking order when the Tigers moved to sign Stockdale on loan in November.
Even Stockdale's subsequent recall could not persuade Bruce to turn back to Amos and the writing was on the wall when his one-time understudy Jakupovic was preferred for the 2-1 win at Derby County.
Manchester United will be keen to see Amos find another loan club in the coming weeks to continue his progression away from Old Trafford.
Amos thanked City on Twitter last night, saying: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time there whilst playing, a great bunch of lads and a club worthy of where they are.
"Thanks to them for the opportunity and to everyone who supported me and the lads. I'll hold very fond memories."
Jakupovic became the eighth different goalkeeper used by the Tigers in the last two-and-a-half years when making his debut at Pride Park, but Bruce may need to increase that figure further still before the month is out.
