FORMER Fulham goalkeeper James Bittner answered an SOS from manager Tommy Saunders after regular number one Paul Thompson became the latest victim of the early season injury jinx at Hardenhuish Park.

Thompson's aggravated a groin injury he sustained in the 1-1 draw at Grantham during last Wednesday's victory over Havant and is not expected to return to full fitness for at least another week.

Bittner, who played a handful of games for the Bluebirds last term, stepped in on Saturday and is likely to deputise again when Chippenham make the long trip to Folkestone Invicta at the weekend.

The 19-year-old, from West Lavington, is currently training with Queens Park Rangers and believes he will gain some valuable match practice while turning out between the posts for Saunders' side.

Said Bittner: "I'm playing just until Thommo's groin injury clears up and it should be help me. I need to get games in to keep match fit. I haven't played that much over the past year or so, so I need as many games as possible.

"Chippenham are a top team and a good bunch of lads and are doing very well on the pitch as well at the moment.

"The new players are quality. Tommy has obviously bought well in the summer and now has players who have played at this level of football in the past."

And Bittner kept a clean sheet as the Bluebirds cantered to a comfortable win over Ilkeston Town on Saturday.

He said: "We didn't play the best, to be fair. But we worked hard and ground out a result. It was comfortable in the end. I wasn't too pleased with my own performance, but it was one of those games.

"I haven't played too much, and this league is more physically demanding than reserve team football. There are more crosses coming in and things like that."

The teenager was released by Fulham boss Jean Tigana last summer and is still searching for a contract with a professional club.

A possible move to Torquay United in the summer fell through and, although Bittner has trained with QPR in recent weeks, he is not expecting to sign a contract at Loftus Road.

Manager Ian Holloway already has three goalkeepers on his books, including ex-Swindon Town stalwart Fraser Digby, but Bittner is pleased with his form for Rangers' reserve side.

He said: "I've played three games so far and have done pretty well, apart from a 6-0 defeat in a friendly at Fulham. But the side they had out that day was frightening. Steve Marlet, Lee Clark and Jon Harley were all in the side. Even though it was 6-0, I managed to do okay and it was plenty of practice for me. We beat Brentford 2-1 the other week and the other games have been good."

Bittner hopes his ties with QPR will lead to a professional contract elsewhere. He said: "Rangers' chief scout Mel Johnson has a few contacts in the game and will hopefully help me out. Two clubs, Luton and Peterborough, sound quite interested and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

"FIFA have announced this week that, although the transfer deadline has gone, players like myself who are out of contract can still find clubs.

"Clubs will probably start looking for players in the next two or three weeks and I'm still young. Hopefully that will help me as well."