But the arrival of the last three, all midfielders, pushed 21-year-old Noble further down the pecking order at Upton Park.

QPR winger Gareth Ainsworth faces four more weeks out of action after suffering a setback to his recovery from a foot injury.

Ainsworth suffered bruising in a bone during a reserve game three weeks ago and was due to return to full training ahead of a comeback this month.

But scans revealed a metatarsal fracture in his foot and he now faces a further spell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Mansfield boss Keith Curle has completed his first signing of the season by securing the services of Rangers striker Richard Pacquette on a one-month loan.

Preston have agreed for Stockport to extend the loan spell of striker Simon Lynch for a third month.

Derby defender Dave Walton has also signed up to help County’s battle against relegation from Division Two by joining on a one-month loan.

Swindon defender Steve Robinson could be out for up to two months after fracturing his left leg.

X-rays revealed the 29-year-old has two cracks in his fibula and it could be six weeks before he returns to training.

Grimsby player-boss Paul Groves has ruled out the return of midfielder Kevin Donovan following his release from Rochdale.

The 32-year-old – who made more than 150 league appearances for the Mariners - had his contract at Spotland cancelled by mutual consent after failing to impress new manager Steve Parkin.

Watford youngster Sam Swonnell is on trial with Wycombe.

Yeovil boss Gary Johnson has revealed that Walsall striker Andy Bishop will be joining the Division Three promotion-chasers on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old forward, who has had loan spells at both Kidderminster and Rochdale this season, will initially join the Glovers for a month.

The loan deal is expected to be completed tomorrow morning.

Lincoln are considering signing promising young defender Jamie McCombe, according to Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws.

The 20-year-old centre-back, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Conference side Halifax earlier in the season, has struggled to make an impact at Glanford Park this term and has made just 12 appearances for the Iron.

Cheltenham manager John Ward has told club captain Mark Yates he can go out on loan.

Yates, whose contract runs out in the summer, has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place recently due to stiff competition in midfield.