ACCRINGTON Stanley have completed the loan signing of Liam Gibson from Newcastle United.

The defender has signed until the end of the season and is set to make his debut for the Reds in the League One clash against Bristol Rovers at the Wham Stadium on Saturday.

Gibson, 21, featured for Newcastle Under-23s in their Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Sunderland on Tuesday night and is keen to make the most of his chance in East Lancashire.

He said: "It has been in the pipeline for a month and I can't wait to get started.

"I have watched a few of the games so I know what the club is all about and I know they try and play football.

"I have only ever played Under-23s football so it is a totally different world for me."

Stanley boss John Coleman is also pleased to secure the left back's services given that loanee Nick Anderton, who was first choice in that position in the first half of the season, has been recalled by Blackpool.

"He is a lad we have been tracking for quite a while," Coleman said of Gibson, who joins fellow Newcastle loanee Dan Barlaser in the Stanley squad.

"He is a good player and knows a couple of our players so well so that helps with him settling in.

"The lad had a number of offers but made it clear from day one that he wanted to come to us so that is pleasing and hopefully he will hit the ground running.

"He is a left sided defender, he has pace, he uses the ball well and he is a bright prospect both defensively and going forward so I am pleased we have got him over the line."