Yusuf is replacement loan 'keeper at Linnets

Runcorn Linnets have signed goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin on loan from NPL Premier Division side Hyde United after Cian O'Shea was recalled by parent club Stockport County.

Yusuf, 31, has played 27 matches in all competitions for Hyde United since joining them for this season.

His last league appearance was on January 3rd in a 2-2 draw against Ilkeston Town.

Born in Greenwich, London, 6ft 5in Yusuf first came north to sign for Liverpool in January 2011.

His footballing journey took him to Turkey with a transfer to Kasimpasa before he headed back to England, signing for Crawley Town in June 2016.

Yusuf was offered a new contract by league Two Crawley at the end of the 2017-18 season and made 19 appearances for them in total.

He spent two years in the National League with Dover Athletic, joining in May 2019.

A subsequent spell at Maidstone United saw him make 27 appearances. These included seven in their title-winning National League South campaign of 2021-22.

He played 16 times for Stones on their promotion to the National,League ahead of a brief return to the South Division on emergency loan with Welling United.

In July 2023, Yusuf signed for H&W Welders in Northern Ireland but returned to England in March 2024 with Mickleover, making 48 appearances in Southern League Premier Central and NPL Premier before joining Hyde for this season.

Yusuf represented Turkey at Under 16s, U17s and U18s.