TONY Mowbray has expressed his delight after landing promising young defenders Jack Stephens and Baily Cargill on loan until the end of the season.
Highly rated defender Stephens has moved to the Ricoh Arena from Southampton and embarks on his second loan spell of the season after appearing for Mowbray’s former side Middlebrough earlier in the 2015/16 campaign.
The 22-year old, who can play centre-back or defensive midfield, came through the Plymouth Arygle Academy before signing for Southampton in April 2011.
During the 2014/15 season, Stephens enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Swindon Town where he made 41 appearances for the Robins and he has also featured for England’s Under-21s side.
“During his time at Swindon, Stephens was a crucial element of a successful side and I’m hopeful he’ll be able to repeat that form during his time with us,” said Mowbray.
“He’s got some fantastic physical attributes but has also got an impressive range of passing which will suit the way I want my team to play.
“It was important we bolstered our defensive options for the remaining months of the season as we look to continue our promotion push.”
Cargill has also been tipped to have a bright future in the sport and will bolster Mowbray’s defensive options.
The 20-year-old signed for the Cherries in 2012 and has spent time out on loan at non-league sides AFC Totton, Welling United and Torquay United, and has starred for Bournemouth’s Under-21s side.
Cargill also has international experience having picked up seven caps for England’s Under-20s.
Mowbray added: “I’ve made no secret of my desire to bolster our defensive options and Baily gives us a valuable option for the rest of the season.
“He has great physical attributes, tall and strong, and we’re hopeful he can help our defensive record from now until the end of the season.”
One other piece of business concluded on deadline day was that former Rep of Ireland international Stephen Hunt has signed a new contract until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old orginally moved to the Ricoh Arena on a short term deal after impressing on trial and has already made two appearances as well as a handful of Under-21 matches.
