TRANMERE Rovers have confirmed that Reece McAlear has joined Ayr United on loan until the end of the season.

McAlear arrived at Prenton Park in the summer, having previously spent a loan spell in Scotland with Inverness. So far this season the midfielder has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Rovers.

A former Scottish youth international, he was handed his Norwich debut by Daniel Farke and has started 10 league games at Prenton Park this season.

He still has 18 months left to run on his deal in Merseyside.

A spokesperson for Rovers said: "Everyone at the club wishes Reece the best of luck during his loan spell and will be monitoring his progress closely."

Speaking to the Ayreshire Post, McAlear, said: "A big attraction for me is coming here at a time when Ayr are at the top of the Championship and challenging.

"There is a pressure on me to perform and that's what I want. I want to make a big contribution to where the club is aiming to go and that's obviously promotion.

 "I want to come up here and make an impact and be part of what Ayr are trying to do.

"The team is obviously doing really well at the moment and I'm confident I can add to that.

"I like to get on the ball, whether that be breaking up play or making things happen further up the pitch.

"There's also history of young players coming here and improving themselves so hopefully I can do the same.

"It's an exciting challenge for me and I'm looking forward to getting started."