Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has revealed that Newcastle United talent Liam Gibson is a player that his side have been tracking for some time, meaning he is delighted to get the defender in on loan.
The League One side have confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old on a deal until the end of the season, with the player available to make his debut for the club in the match against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
Gibson has thus far featured for the Premier League club's Under-23 side and played for the Magpies in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, a match which his side lost 4-0 against Sunderland.
The youngster though now will look to gather some precious first-team experience, with the Accrington manager insisting that Gibson had several offers to choose from.
Coleman is also hopeful of Gibson settling in quickly at the Wham Stadium.
"He is a lad we have been tracking for quite a while", Coleman was quoted as saying by the Lancashire Telegraph.
"He is a good player and knows a couple of our players as well so that helps with him settling in.
"The lad had a number of offers but made it clear from day one that he wanted to come to us so that is pleasing and hopefully he will hit the ground running.
"He is a left sided defender, he has pace, he uses the ball well and he is a bright prospect both defensively and going forward so I am pleased we have got him over the line."
Gibson will get another crack at Newcastle's rivals Sunderland when Accrington head to the Stadium of Light in the middle of February.
