Notts County have completed the loan signing of Brighton and Hove Albion centre back Ben Barclay until the end of the season.
The move sees fellow Seagull Ben Hall return to the Amex Stadium, with the Northern Irishman likely to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Barclay, 22, was included in Chris Hughton’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season and was in the travelling party for the Seagulls’ top-flight trip to Liverpool in August.
Three days later, he made his senior debut against south coast rivals Southampton in the first round of the Carabao Cup before pitting his wits against Luton, Peterborough and MK Dons in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Composed on the ball and strong in the air, Barclay cut his teeth with hometown club Manchester City before joining Brighton’s academy in 2013.
He will meet up with his new team-mates at their hotel in Essex today and will be eligible for Saturday’s match against Colchester, where he’ll don the number 6 shirt.
Hall, meanwhile, returned to Sussex yesterday following a frustrating first half of the season.
Injuries mean he is yet to make an appearance this campaign and both clubs have agreed it’s best he continues his rehabilitation at Brighton.
The defender said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Notts County for supporting me through what has been a very tough season, both on a personal and collective level.
“I’m gutted I’ve not been able to help the boys get out of the situation we’re in and I was really looking forward to building on my performances from last season.
“I now have to focus on getting myself fit again but I’ll be keeping a close eye on Notts and supporting the lads from afar.”
Everyone at Meadow Lane would like to wish Ben all the best in his recovery.