ACCRINGTON Stanley's search for a goalkeeper is over after signing Connor Ripley on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough.

The 25-year-old stopper, who is the son of former Blackburn Rovers and England winger Stuart, has been at his hometown club since 2010.

He spent the last six months of last season on loan at Bury, and has had previous loan spells with Oxford United, Bradford, Motherwell, Oldham and Burton Albion, and made 14 appearances for Swedish side Ostersund in 2014.

Ripley has also represented England at both U19 and U20 level.

Stanley manager John Coleman said: “I've been offered about 25-30 goalkeepers over the summer but I've got to make sure I've got the right one and that’s taken time.

"Connor has a good pedigree and will battle with Jonny for the number one spot.

"I've said all along that I don’t have a first choice goalkeeper, I want my keepers to compete for the starting position."