ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Niall Watson has joined Sligo Rovers on loan.

The 19-year-old will be with the League of Ireland club until the end of their season in October.

Reds boss John Coleman’s former club are currently sixth in the table and were 1-0 winners over Stanley in a friendly earlier this month.

Watson signed a professional contract at the Wham Stadium in 2018 having been spotted by Stanley scouts when playing Sunday league football.

He made his debut in a 3-2 EFL Trophy win over Middlesbrough in September 2017 and made two further first-team appearances during that season.

“When I was in Sligo for the friendly I could see what a good club it is so when the gaffer (John Coleman) mentioned their interest I was delighted,” Watson told Sligo’s website.

“He told me more about them too so now I’m really excited. I had three loan spells last year and I’m ready to keep playing. There’s still a lot of games to be played in the season in Ireland.

“It’s a great experience for me to move over and become part of a club like Sligo Rovers, I’m really up for it. I can play anywhere across a front three, I probably prefer the left side.

“Whatever the gaffer says I’ll be up for it. I’m looking forward to getting involved straight away and meeting everyone on Tuesday.”