NEWPORT County AFC have completed the signing of midfielder Anthony Hartigan on a loan deal from AFC Wimbledon, subject to international clearance.

Hartigan becomes County’s fifth signing of the January window and will join the club for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.

At Wimbledon since he was 14, Hartigan has plotted his way through the Wombles’ academy ranks before progressing through to the first team.

The 20-year-old signed his first professional contract with the League One club when he was 17 and made his debut in a Carabao Cup clash against Brentford in August 2017.

The tie saw Hartigan become the first player born in the 2000s to represent the club.

He netted his first goal for Wimbledon in a Papa John’s Trophy clash against Barnet later that season and went on to make 16 appearances in his first campaign in professional football.

Hartigan scooped the LFE Apprentice of the Year award at the EFL’s end of season awards ceremony following his performances throughout the campaign.

The midfielder has already racked up an impressive 110 appearances with Wimbledon, with 21 of those coming this term.

He will link up with the Exiles until May and will wear the number 20 during his time at Rodney Parade.

After completing the deal, Hartigan said: "I’m happy that I’ve been given the opportunity to come here and get some games.

"I’ve already played quite a few times this season, but I’m at an age where I need to continue doing that.

"I need to continue developing and that’s only going to happen if I’m playing on a regular basis.

"I’ve been in a few relegation battles in the last few years with Wimbledon, so it’s a different challenge for me coming here and I’m happy to be here."

County manager Michael Flynn said: "For a player who has already made 100 appearances for a League One club at the age of 20, I think that tells you all you need to know about Anthony’s talent.

"He’s shown a great level of consistency since making the transition to the first team at Wimbledon, and that’s proven by the number of games he’s played.

"I know he’ll bring a lot of quality to our squad, so hopefully he can hit the ground running with us.”

Former Wimbledon loanee Tom King, who has performed heroically in goal for The Exiles this season, will be a familiar face for Hartigan.

Dons manager Glyn Hodges, following the arrival of George Dobson, on loan from Sunderland, felt this would limit Hartigan's involvement and that the 20-year-old academy graduate's playing time would benefit from a loan.

"We thought he’d get some vital minutes while out on loan," he said. Hopefully he comes back to Wimbledon with a promotion on his CV.

"We wish Anthony the very best in his spell with Newport County."