SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner says the club is planning for life without Jojo Wollacott in January ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Wollacott has only recently been called up to represent Ghana, but has impressed with three clean sheets in six appearances as the Black Stars qualified for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Before December’s World Cup though, Ghana will play in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations – hosted by Cameroon – with Wollacott expected to be a key member of the squad for the tournament which begins on January 9.

Garner said that while Lewis Ward is a perfectly capable replacement between the sticks, Town will require cover for the period in which Wollacott is away.

The Town boss said: “I would say that we probably will be without Jojo.

“He’s gone away and done really well for his country, he’s played the last four games and kept a clean sheet in the last one against South Africa. That’s brilliant for Jojo to get that international recognition, and it’s pride for him and his family.

“I would fully expect him to not only be called up in January but to start each game based on what he’s done.

“We’re well aware of that situation, and we’re planning in advance.

“As I’ve said from day one, we’re very, very fortunate to have two fantastic goalkeepers – both deserve to be number one – and I do mean that.

“We definitely need to look at options in terms of bringing in a bit of cover for when Jojo does go away.”