CLITHEROE have signed Shrewsbury Town youngster George Hughes on loan.

The midfielder made his debut for the League One promotion-chasers as a substitute in a Checkatrade Trophy game against West Brom earlier this season and has also spent time on loan with Clitheroe's league rivals Colwyn Bay this term.

The teenager, who captained Shrewsbury's youth team last season, signed his professional contract at the Montgomery Waters Meadow last year.

And Shrews chief Paul Hurst believes the spell with Simon Haworth's Evo-Stik North promotion-chasers will benefit Hughes.

“It’s important for the first year pros that they go out to play football and we have tried to do that over the season with them," he said.

“Hughes had the spell with Colwyn Bay earlier in the season and now has the chance to get more experience with Clitheroe.

“The young lads’ attitude to going out on loan and gaining experience has been good and this is gives Hughes that chance to go and play and continue his development.”

Hughes could make his debut for the Blues in this afternoon's league clash away at Ossett Town.

Clitheroe boss Haworth, a former coach at Shrewsbury, has guided his side to nine wins in their last 11 matches. The Shawbridge men are eighth in the table, only outside the play-off places. on goal difference.