Accrington Stanley have signed Blackburn Rovers defender Matthew Platt on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old has been at Rovers since he was nine-years-old, after being scouted while playing for Bleakhill Rovers in a junior league in St Helens.
The centre half has worked under Gary Bowyer, Damien Johnson and David Dunn at Rovers U23s and was on loan at Conference side Barrow a couple of seasons ago.
This is his first taste of the Football League and Platt can't wait to get started.
“I am delighted to sign and looking forward to getting going,” said Platt.
“I had a brief spell at Barrow a couple of seasons ago in the Conference but, apart from that, this is my first spell away from Blackburn.
“It's a big stage, I have come here to play first team football in League One and hopefully I will do that.
“We will be looking to do well this season, the aim is to get into the play-offs and hopefully get promoted."
Platt will be battling for a place in the backline and has let Stanley fans know what to expect from him.
“First and foremost I am a defender, I like to tackle, but I also think I have another side to my game, I like to play, I can pass the ball well and find midfielders.”
The Reds kick off their historic League One season tomorrow at home to Gillingham.
Platt added: “I had a brief look at the first couple of fixtures, it's happened quickly but hopefully I will settle in.
“I didn't know many of the lads but I am sure over the coming days I will get to know them.
“It's a goal of mine to play first team football and I can't wait to get going.”