Ipswich Town defender joins Motherwell on loan

Motherwell have announced the signing of defender Matt Penney on loan from Ipswich Town.

The 24-year-old arrives at Fir Park on a six-month loan, subject to international clearance, and becomes new gaffer Steven Hammell's second signing after Stuart McKinstry joined on loan from Leeds United last week.

It strengthens the club's backline following the news Irishman Jake Carroll will be out for most of the season through injury.

Left-back Penney has made 26 appearances for the Tractor Boys since joining them last season in English League One and could make his debut in Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash at Kilmarnock.

Gaffer Hammell told the Motherwell website: “We had a number of options available to us but we wanted to wait for Matt and are absolutely delighted to have him with us.

“When Jake Carroll broke down in training and it was confirmed he was going to miss a significant portion of the season, and with Nathan McGinley still recovering from his operation, we knew we were going to have to bring someone in.

“Stephen O’Donnell has performed well out of position, so we now have real competition and cover on the side of the pitch.”

Penney's previous clubs include Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford and Mansfield, as well as Bundesliga 2 side St Pauli.

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