���˿���

Crewe have signed 39-year-old former Republic of Ireland keeper Keiren Westwood on a short-term contract.

The ex-Carlisle United, Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland man has not played since a short-term deal at Queens Park Rangers in early 2022.

He comes in as cover for first choice Tom Booth, who was injured in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Tranmere.

Westwood will be on the bench for promotion-chasing Crewe's League Two home game with Crawley on Saturday.

On-loan Harvey Davies, who started the season as number one, will return as first choice in goal.

"I'm grateful to the club who have been good to me," Westwood told ���˿��� Radio Stoke. "I am excited about the challenge, but I'm just here to help the team."

Teenager Booth, who had been in solid form since getting his first-team chance just before Christmas, suffered a punctured lung when diving at the feet of Tranmere striker Charlie Jolley.

Manchester-born Westwood, who won 21 Irish caps, has made 519 appearances since starting his career in 2003 with Manchester City when Kevin Keegan was in charge.

He has been keeping himself fit for the last year by training with Crewe, who sit fifth in League Two, just two points adrift of the third automatic promotion place.

Is 39 still young for a keeper?

In the history of professional football, 39 is still no age for a keeper.

The great Dino Zoff famously lifted the World Cup at the age of 40, while the likes of Peter Shilton, John Burridge and Dave Beasant played until well into their forties.

Former England international Ben Foster became the latest high-profile example when he came out of retirement to sign for Wrexham in March 2023, just 11 days short of his 40th birthday, only to retire again five months later after helping them to promotion.

Many have also come back as stand-in keepers, to sit on the bench in times of crisis.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.