RICHARD McKinney appears to have won the right to the number one goalkeeping shirt at Canvey Island.

A string of outstanding performances in Gulls' first five games have seen the former Colchester stopper, who came close to joining Southend United a year ago, become a firm favourite with the fans.

McKinney spent most of last season on the injured list, but was brought in at Park Lane when number one stopper Danny Potter was suspended for the first two games and has really made his mark.

Island boss Jeff King is believed to be in the process of ironing out a long-term deal with McKinney but Potter has now asked to go out on loan and the Canvey management have agreed, with Ashley Harrison continuing the number two role.

Gulls enter brand new territory tomorrow night when they play their first ever game against Kiddermin-ster Harriers.

They were relegated from League Two last season and Canvey will be hoping that tonight's trip to the Aggborough Stadium will be more successful than Friday night ventures of recent years.