Lee Nicholls joins Bristol Rovers on short-term loan

Bristol Rovers have completed the loan signing of Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Lee Nicholls.

The 22-year-old joins the Pirates on an initial 93-day deal, subject to the necessary paperwork being completed.

Nicholls, who will go straight into Rovers' squad for the visit of former club Accrington Stanley, had been closing in on a move to the Memorial Stadium over the past few days.

Having now got the temporary transfer over the line, manager Darrell Clarke was quick to hail his latest recruit, who replaces Chesterfield-bound Aaron Chapman.

"He's a player I've been interested in signing for a while as we heard that he might be available for a loan move at some point," he told the club's official website.

"He's an experienced keeper, having played a full season for Northampton and appearing in a play off final for them. Last season he appeared in the Europa League for Wigan and he's a little bit more experienced than Aaron, who has done well for us during his time here.

"I would like to thank Aaron for his efforts whilst he has been with us and he returns to Chesterfield with our best wishes."

Nicholls featured eight times for parent club Wigan in all, including twice in the Europa League, but he has since fallen down the pecking order.