CONFERENCE North club Gloucester City have confirmed the transfer of striker Joe Parker to Newport County AFC.

The 18-year-old striker, who is a product of the Tigers’ youth system, hit the headlines after bagging a 19 minute hat-trick in City’s FA Cup third qualifying round replay win against Yate Town.

The Exiles noted his potential and have made a move for the Hartpury College student who, despite not being on a contract with the Tigers, leaves with boss Dave Mehew’s best wishes.

County director of football Tim Harris is a former Gloucester boss and the two have agreed a deal that will see Parker loaned back to City.

As Parker was not on a contract with the Tigers there will be no fee involved, although City will benefit from the deal.

Parker will be available for City for Saturday’s Skrill North trip to Vauxhall Motors and the rest of the season at no cost to the Tigers, who will also stage a friendly between the two clubs.

“We tried to get Joe on a contract in the summer but him being at Hartpury meant it couldn’t be done,” Mehew said.

“But Newport have been fantastic in allowing him to come back to us for the rest of the season, so we actually save money on our wage bill.

“We will also have first refusal on Joe if they want to loan him out next year and we will host them in a pre-season friendly next season.

"I know that Newport have been looking at Joe for a while and he has clearly impressed them and we all wish him well.

“It’s a good deal for us and more importantly it’s a great move for Joe.

"It shows that players can move on and achieve great things if they come to Gloucester City and that is a selling point we can use as a club."