Explained: Doncaster Rovers' signing of Joe Lumley - How long it can go on for, what it involves and Josef Bursik's future

Here, we explain the factors that have allowed for the signing and what restrictions Rovers will be under as part of the emergency loan deal.

HOW ARE ROVERS ABLE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LOAN SIGNING?

Under EFL regulations, clubs are permitted to sign goalkeepers on an emergency loan basis if ‘all the professional goalkeepers at a club are unavailable as a result of having been certified by an independent medical practitioner as being unfit to play, suspended, or called up to play for his national association representative matches.’

This move has been sparked by Stoke City opting to recall Josef Bursik from his season long loan with Rovers.

Rovers do have a professional goalkeeper available in Louis Jones.

However, in this instance, the term ‘professional goalkeeper’ only includes those that have made at least five first team appearances.

Jones has made four first team appearances - three in the EFL Trophy and one in the FA Cup, all coming this season.

This therefore allows Rovers to apply to make an emergency loan signing.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF AN EMERGENCY LOAN?

Emergency loans can be agreed only for a period of seven days.

However, the loan deals can be renewed for seven days at a time, provided the situation at the loaning club remains within what EFL regulations allow for emergency loans.

This allows clubs to effectively agree to the loans on an indefinite basis. It is understood that Rovers have initially agreed with QPR to keep Lumley on a rolling seven day basis.

But they will be required to register with the EFL again next week if they wish for Lumley to remain at the club beyond next Friday, and every subsequent week afterwards.

WHAT OTHER RULES ARE THERE?

The goalkeeper loaned on an emergency basis must be named in the starting XI for every match they are available for during their loan.

This means that Lumley must start the matches against Sunderland and Blackpool in the next week and cannot be used as back-up for Louis Jones.

Also, QPR would be able to recall Lumley from his loan if they found themselves without senior goalkeepers available.

WHAT ABOUT BURSIK - COULD HE COME BACK?

When a player is recalled from a loan by their parent club, the initial loan deal is cancelled.

Bursik would therefore be unable to return to Rovers outside of a transfer window.

Rovers could move to sign Bursik back on loan in January for the remainder of the season, should they wish, as this would involve a brand new loan deal.

Should Bursik play for Stoke between now and January - as is expected - he would be unable to join another club on loan this season. Regulations permit a player to feature for no more than two clubs per season.

He would be permitted to rejoin Rovers however.

BUT LUMLEY HAS ALREADY PLAYED FOR TWO CLUBS?

Emergency loan deals do not count as part of the regulations permitting players to play for no more than two clubs per season.

So Lumley’s week-long loan at Gillingham does not count, nor will his time at Rovers.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.