SALFORD City reds have moved to strengthen their injury-hit squad with today's signing of David Berthezene, initially on a one month loan from Les Catalan Dragons.

With Malcolm Alker currently out of the squad with medial knee ligament damage, the Reds were without a recognised hooker for the forthcoming fixtures, so news of the loan comes at a crucial time.

The English speaking Frenchman flies into Manchester tomorrow and will be included in the Reds' squad in the game against Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking of the signing, Reds' coach, Karl Harrison said: "David is an experienced player and hooker and we are looking forward to working with him. Initially he is on loan to us for a month but if things go well we may look at extending that further, as it has become clear that we need a back up in this position."

Malcolm Alker is today seeing a specialist regarding his injury, the full extent of which should be known by the end of today.