BURTON Albion have signed two young players on loan from Southampton as Nigel Clough moved to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes.
Jake Hesketh and Jake Flannigan are both 22 and have joined the Brewers on loan until January 2.
Hesketh joined Saints aged eight after being spotted at a local tournament and a subsequent summer coaching course.
He signed a professional contract in May 2014, on the same day he was crowned as the club's 2013/14 Scholar of the Season after an impressive campaign with the Under-18s and Development Squad.
He made his first-team debut against Manchester United at St Mary's on December 8 2014 before making his first start a week later away to Burnley.
Jake Flannigan was scouted at the age of 12 when playing on the Isle of Wight, which led to a seven-week trial at Saints.
After a successful first season with the Under-18s in 2012/13, Flannigan stepped up to the Development Squad at the start of the 2013/14 season and has since featured for the Under-21s regularly.
Clough said: “Jake Flannigan is a young right back who has had injury problems but is now ready for some first team football. Jake Hesketh is a highly-rated midfielder/forward.
“Southampton have been great and want to see them both get first team football. They are caught between first team and under 23 football at the moment, and just being involved in training with the first team will bring them on.
“They are two good additions to the squad who will fit in well with the youngsters we have got.”
Jake Flannigan said: “I have had a rough few years with injuries but before that I was playing right back and I’m the kind of player who likes to get forward. When I’m defending I’m quite aggressive and fancy myself in one-on-one defending. Hopefully I can benefit the team.”
Jake Hesketh said: “Growing up I have primarily played as an attacking midfielder so I like to think I can bring goals, assists chances. I’m not afraid of the dirty work as well. It’s an important step for me now to get regular senior football and take that back.”
Jake Hesketh will be No 8 and Jake Flannigan 34 in the Brewers squad.