WIGAN Athletic‘s Matty Hamilton has joined AFC Fylde ahead of Saturday’s game with Harrogate Town at Kellemergh Park. (3pm)

The 18 year-old Republic of Ireland Under 21 international has joined on a youth loan after training with the club last night.

Hamilton won The Latics Youth Player of the Year last season following in the footsteps of Callum McManaman and Leighton Baines and is highly thought of at the DW Stadium.

Manager Dave Challinor said: “I am delighted to announce the paperwork has been finalised to bring in Matty Hamilton on a youth loan from Wigan Athletic.

“I must thank Wigan for their assistance in getting everything completed so smoothly, especially Graham Barrow and Joe Parkinson who have been my points of contact. Matty is an attacking player and will give us a boost at an important period of the season.

“The loan is for an initial 28 days and we’ll see where things go from there. He’s a regular member of Wigan’s development squad and received a call up to the Republic of Ireland U21’s at the end of 2014 and is highly thought of.

“I watch a lot of development squad football and have seen Matty on numerous occasions and he has always impressed me. It was more of a tentative enquiry to see if he would be allowed out on loan but I was delighted when I was told he would. He trained last night and looked very comfortable, he knows Josh Langley from his time at Wigan and has already fitted in really well.

“He’ll be involved in the squad immediately for tomorrow’s game and I’m sure everyone will join with me in welcoming him to the club and I’m really excited about his addition.”

Send your welcome messages to Matty by using the hashtag #welcomematty

Admission is £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and FREE to under 16s.