Teenage striker Tate Xavier-Jones has joined National League North promotion chasers Merthyr Town on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The 19-year-old was rewarded for his goalscoring exploits in the Under-18s' league and cup double-winning side last season with his first professional deal, and has spent the first half of the current campaign on loan in Scotland with Airdrieonians.

Having scored once in 14 appearances for the Scottish Championship side, he now heads west to Wales to continue his introduction to senior football at Penydarren Park, where Merthyr recently hosted Hereford in front of a sell-out crowd of just under 4,000.

The Welsh outfit are the current Southern League Premier Division Central champions, and are in contention for promotion to Non-League's top-flight for the first time since their predecessors, Merthyr Tydfil, were relegated 31 years ago.

Good luck with the Martyrs, Tate!