Loan ranger!

Paul Rachubka in acton for the reserves in midweek

PAUL Rachubka isn’t one who sits on the sidelines for too long without getting itchy feet.

The experienced goalkeeper returned to Boundary Park two weeks ago on a short-term deal until January, book-ending 11 years spent away from the club.

In the intervening time Rachubka has been sent out to various clubs another 11 times.

But despite the apparent have-gloves-will-travel attitude, the California-born goalkeeper is a grounded guy with one main goal, to play football.

And while he isn’t currently getting a first-team chance - number one Mark Oxley is in his way - he wants to push the young contender for his spot.

“I have had only a few parent clubs,” said Rachubka (32), who has clocked up 279 league appearances, earning permanent moves to Huddersfield, Blackpool and Leeds after leaving Old Trafford for Charlton in a £200,000 deal in 2002.

“I’m not one to sit around on the bench; I want to play. The opportunities have come along regularly to do that.

“You can name plenty of goalkeepers who haven’t played any games but have made a good living. But have they given themselves a chance to play at the highest level?

“I have been promoted from all three divisions and survived relegation with Accrington. I feel I have a lot to offer.”

Rachubka, who made 17 appearances for Athletic in the 2001-02 season, became a free agent this summer after his Leeds deal expired.

“I was training, keeping fit and the manager tried to sort something out before the transfer window shut,” he added. “That didn’t work out because of registration technicalities.

“Once the window closed and all the business was done, the gaffer said ‘let’s get something done’.”

“I need to go on now. My target is to go from being number two to number one. I’m capable of doing that. “Mark Oxley has done well, but there is competition all over the park within the squad and I am here to provide competition for him. I would like to think if I work hard, Mark has to work hard.”