Ben McLaughlin a 'huge plus' for AFC Telford
AFC Telford United manager Steve Kittrick believes the capture of talented young Everton defender Ben McLaughlin will prove to be a "massive plus" for the club.
The 19-year-old arrived at the New Bucks Head on a month's loan yesterday and looks set to be thrown straight into the side for the FA Trophy game against AFC Fylde this weekend.
McLaughlin is expected to be a direct replacement for Ryan Higgins, who has completed his anticipated move to Conference rivals Chester.
And Kittrick is delighted to have enticed the Everton full-back to the club, saying: "I think this is a massive plus for us because of the quality of player.
"Ben is a good player which I think is clear when you look at the club he's coming in from. He'll be in the squad for Saturday."
McLaughlin has ties to Shropshire with his grandfather – Jim McLaughlin – enjoying two spells at Shrewsbury between 1960 to 1963 and 1967 to 1972.
The youngster joined Everton in August 2012 following impressive performances for Dundalk who play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland.
He is currently in the final season of a three-year deal at Goodison Park. He is yet to feature for Everton's first team but is part of the club's Under-21 squad.
McLaughlin becomes Kittrick's third signing inside a week following Bradford Park Avenue midfielder Jack Rea and Notts County loan defender Kyle Dixon. Both played in Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Aldershot.
Meanwhile, the club is encouraging as many supporters as possible to attend this weekend's game against AFC Fylde by running coaches from the New Bucks Head.
Advanced tickets cost £14 for members and £16 for non-members and are available by calling (01952) 640064.
