ACCRINGTON Stanley new boy Michael Ihiekwe is determined to grab his opportunity having joined the Reds on loan from Rotherham.

The 25-year-old has joined until January and could make his debut in this weekend's League One clash at Blackpool.

Ihiekwe has not featured for Rotherham this term but made 35 appearances for the Millers as they won promotion to the Championship last season.

Prior to that he was a regular for Tranmere Rovers having also played for Cheltenham Town.

The defender is primarily a centre back but can also operate at left back and adds further competition for places in the Reds backline.

"I am delighted to be here, Accrington have obviously had a successful few years and I can't wait to get started," said Ihiekwe.

"I wanted to play regularly and was pleased when Accrington came in from me."

"I am an all-rounder, I came through at Liverpool so I like to pass the ball out from the back but I have played in the lower leagues so I know what they are all about as well."

Ihiekwe played League Two football for Tranmere in 2014-15 and his form in the National League over the next two seasons earned him a move to Rotherham.

But he has fallen out favour at the New York Stadium this year.

"This season was hard as they have gone up into the Championship and there was a lot more competition for places," he said.

On his time at Tranmere he added: "It was hard as in my first season we were relegated to the Conference, it was my first experience of playing regularly in that league and it was hard to take.

"We got to the play-offs (in 2017) and I played at Wembley but we lost to Forest Green. It was a great experience despite the defeat.

"I then got a move to Rotherham in League One in 2017 and again we got to the play-offs at Wembley.

"I played the first 15 or so games and then came out of the team, I got back in again and played at the end of the season but then got injured before Wembley."

Reds boss John Coleman, who will now turn his attention to securing at least one new striker before next week's loan deadline, is delighted to bring Ihiekwe on board.

"He is proven at this level," Coleman said. "I first came across Michael when he was playing for Tranmere and he impressed me.

"We need to strengthen in the defensive area and Michael ticks all the boxes."