Harrogate Town sign ex-Newcastle United youngster on loan from Nottingham Forest

Former Newcastle United youngster Owen Gallacher has joined from Nottingham Forest on a month-long deal.

Described as a player who operates "predominantly as a left-back", the 20-year-old will be available to make his debut away at Darlington in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday.

"With Mitch [Hancox] having gone back to Solihull I wanted to add a bit of padding in the defensive area," Town boss Simon Weaver revealed.

"I watched Owen play for Forest's under-23s against Burnley earlier this week and he impressed me.

"He looks reliable. He's decent size, a good athlete and has a nice little edge about him.

"He's tidy on the ball and is someone who I think will do well for us."

Gallacher, who made the switch to Forest in September 2018, never signed a senior contract at Newcastle but did impress during his time in the North East.

He was the 2016 recipient of the Jack Hixon Trophy, awarded to Tyneside’s most promising youngster and named after the scout who discovered Alan Shearer.

Other former winners of the trophy include Sean Longstaff and Freddie Woodman, both of whom are current Newcastle players, and Adam Armstrong, now of Blackburn Rovers.

Gallacher is not expected to be the only arrival at Town this month, with talks over another loan deal with a second Football League club at an advanced stage.