Irish U21 international full-back or midfielder Shane O’Connor has joined Port Vale on loan until January 3rd. The 21-year-old could make his debut for the Valiants when they face Torquay at home on Friday evening.
O’Connor, who was also interesting Northampton, says he can’t wait to get going: "I'm really looking forward to my time at Port Vale.
"I need to be playing games and when the manager said I had the opportunity to go out on loan, it was an easy decision to make."
Vale boss Micky Adams says O'Connor comes in as cover for injuries: "Shane was available, and with him having a number of Championship games under his belt, we felt he would be a useful addition to the squad.
"With our current injury situation, I was determined to bolster the squad ahead of the transfer deadline, and I am very pleased to be able to bring a player of Shane's ability."
Speaking earlier today, with Northampton appearing the frontrunners to loan O'Connor, Blues boss Paul Jewell said young players in his position with their terms up at the end of the season need to be playing games: "I’m trying to get Shane to Northampton to give him some games there.
"Their caretaker-manager rang me yesterday, I rang him back but I haven’t heard back from him.
"I’m hoping for Shane’s sake he can go and play some games. Luke Hyam as well, I spoke to his agent and told him he needs to get fixed up because these lads need to play games.
"The clock is ticking for them at the end of the season and they need to go out in the real world, and they’re keen to do it because they’re good lads.
"The problem is that everybody wants people who have played games, experienced players, that’s what these lads are up against.”
In the summer, Cork-born former Liverpool trainee O'Connor turned down a six-month spell at Crawley, having decided against a temporary switch to Hereford United last season.
With the loan deadline 5pm, the only other business which appears likely to take place involving the Blues is striker Ronan Murray's one-month switch to Swindon Town.