Leyton Orient's Michael Craig will add 'authority' to Harrogate Town's midfield after joining on three-month loan deal

The 23-year-old was unveiled as a Sulphurites player on Thursday evening after the League One O’s agreed to send him to Wetherby Road for a three-month period.

Craig arrives in North Yorkshire with a good amount of third-tier experience under his belt having already played 85 times for both Orient and former club Reading.

And with Bryn Morris and Ben Fox – Town’s two most experienced central midfielders – currently working their way back from injury, Weaver believes the former Tottenham Hotspur man will help his side enjoy more control in the engine room as they bid to build on their positive start to life back in the National League.

“He’s an experienced head at just 23-years-old and a solid League One performer, so we’re delighted to have him here,” the Harrogate boss said.

“He’s up for the challenge of coming and playing for us for three months, he’s got expertise on the ball and a real presence about him.

“Having that authority in central midfield can help us deliver more controlled performances going forward.”

A Scotland youth international, Craig started career at Watford before joining Tottenham when he was 12 years old.

Along with his twin brother, Matthew, Craig was named in Spurs’ Conference League squad in 2021 aged just 18.

He would then spend three seasons at Reading, making his professional debut for the Royals in a 4-0 Championship defeat to Sheffield United in August 2022.

Craig went on to make a further 75 appearances in all competitions for Reading, before he was snapped up by Orient ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Last term, he featured 32 times for the Royals, with 27 of those appearances coming in League One.

Craig will wear the number 19 shirt at Town and is available for selection for this Saturday’s clash with Tamworth, subject to FA and National League approval.