Weston-super-Mare AFC have announced the signing of defender Billy Kirkman on loan from Swindon Town.

The 20-year-old is a natural left back and will be looking to play in that position for The Seagulls, but he is also capable of playing further up the pitch as a left midfielder if needed.

Kirkman joins from Swindon having signed for the League Two side this summer, but spent his younger years in the Bolton Wanderers Academy before moving on to Welsh clubs The New Saints and Aberystwyth Town.

Weston manager Scott Bartlett spoke after Kirkman’s signing. He said: “Billy has been a target of ours for a while, he excelled in the Welsh Premier League on loan at Aberystwyth Town.

“We enquired about signing him in the summer but he had opportunities in the EFL, and eventually Swindon bought him from TNS.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the club and thank Mark Kennedy and Jamie Russell at Swindon Town.”

Kirkman’s signing is the second piece of transfer news from The Optima this week as they also see summer signing Morgan Lewis leave for Taunton Town on loan after making four starts in the National League South so far this season.