NEWPORT County AFC have boosted their forward options by signing Owen Windsor on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

The 19-year-old effectively replaces Saikou Janneh, who has returned to Bristol City because of injury, with manager Michael Flynn still keeping an eye out for a more established goal threat in his January recruitment drive.

It will be a second spell in League Two for Windsor after he spent the first half of the campaign at struggling Grimsby Town.

He made 13 appearances for the Mariners and scored two goals, while he came close against the Exiles last month when his thumping drive was tipped onto the bar by Nick Townsend.

However, he went back to the Baggies after being in and out of Ian Holloway’s side and will now add to Flynn’s options up front.

Windsor said: “I’m really excited to get going. It was a good first half of the season for me when I was on loan at Grimsby, but I’m ready for a new challenge and want to help the club achieve what they want to this season.

“I played against the club when I was at Grimsby and I know a few of the players who have also been at the club. They have done well here, so I know it’s a club that can help young players develop.

“I like the style that they play, and I think that it will get the best out of me. I’ve been aware of the interest for a few weeks since I came back from Grimsby, so I’m ready to get going now.

“It’s a big thing for me that they are doing well in the league because it shows that what they are doing is working.”

Tristan Abrahams, Padraig Amond and the fit-again Ryan Taylor are the senior candidates along with Jamie Proctor, whose loan from Rotherham is due to expire in mid-January.

Manager Michael Flynn added: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to get this deal over the line. Owen already knows all about life in League Two after his loan spell with Grimsby, which is a big benefit.

“He’s a player that I have been aware of and I’ve tracked his progress for a while now, and I’m sure the experience with Grimsby will stand him in good stead ahead of his move to the club.

“He is still young and has a lot of potential, so I’m pleased to get him on board. I also want to thank West Brom for their help in making this deal happen.”

Windsor came through the ranks at Swindon and Southampton before earning a contract with West Brom thanks to his performances with Cirencester while a student at Hartpury College.

He is the first signing of what is set to be a busy January for the Exiles, who are second in League Two.