DEFENDER Kyle Howkins has left Newport County AFC to join Solihull Moors.

The 24-year-old centre-back has joined the National League side on loan until the end of the season, when his contract at Rodney Parade expires.

Howkins started 2020/21 on the right of a back three in the shock Carabao Cup win against Swansea City.

The 6ft 5ins defender continued in the side despite the arrival of Brandon Cooper but suffered a hamstring injury after his fourth appearance of the campaign against Barrow.

Cooper has returned to the Swans at the start of the month but it has been summer signing David Longe-King that has slotted into Michael Flynn’s side impressively.

That has led to West Midlander Howkins, who made 23 appearances in the coronavirus-curtailed 2019/20, to head to Solihull.

It sees the West Bromwich Albion academy graduate reunited with coach Jimmy Shan.

“I’m very happy to be at the club and really looking forward to it. As soon as the club were interested I wanted to come down," said Howkins.

“I first worked with Jimmy at my previous club (West Brom), he was my first coach at under 10’s. I’m really looking forward to working with him once again.

“One of the main reasons is to get some minutes under the belt and hopefully play the remaining games.

“This is a very good team and I know the goal is promotion, so we’ll do everything to make sure we get that.”

Flynn's current back three is Longe-King alongside Matty Dolan and Mickey Demetriou with Ashley Baker able to slot in on the right side.

Midfielder Scot Bennett can also cover while teenager Joe Woodiwiss has featured in the EFL Trophy.

Nonetheless, County need more bodies before the end of the transfer window if they are to maintain their challenge for promotion with a central defender now likely to be on the wishlist.