Mike Jackson has made a last gasp deadline day addition to his Tranmere side, bringing in Sam Smith on loan from Championship side Reading.

But the former Manchester United Academy striker has not signed in time to be eligible for Rovers' trip to Newport County tomorrow.

Tranmere manager Jackson told the club's website: “It has gone right down to the wire. Everyone behind the scenes has done a lot of hard work so we are really pleased we have completed the deal.

“We have very good options within the squad and plenty of competition. We are in a good place now with the depth of the squad to push on.

“Sam spent a long time at Manchester United, and he moved to Reading. He has experienced loan spells in both League One and Two. He scored goals for Cambridge last season.

“He is left footed and he is quick. He has good movement off the back line so he gives us those options in the team that we need.

“We have games coming thick and fast now so we need players who have the quality to come in and do the right job for the team.

“He fits what we were looking for. He is from the North West, he has been playing and he is at a great age. Sam is at a stage of his career now where he will be wanting to kick on, he can’t wait to get going and he is a great addition to the squad. We are really glad we signed him and we thank Reading for allowing us to bring him in loan.”

The 22-year-old forward, who spent last season on load at Cambridge United, is the second player to arrive at Prenton Park this week, after Jack Young was snapped up on a loan deal from Newcastle United until the end of the season.

Rovers have been in urgent need or reinforcements after a spate of injuries to attacking players and an outbreak of coronoavirus decimated the first team squad.

Tranmere travel to Rodney Parade tomorrow looking for their first away win of the season.