NEWPORT County AFC have signed goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin from MK Dons on an emergency loan through until April 9 after Elliott Parish returned to Bristol City yesterday.

The Dublin-born shot stopper goes straight into the squad for tonight's trip to Morecambe and the Irish under-21 international is hoping to gain first team action with the Exiles while Lenny Pidgeley and Jamie Stephens continue to recover from injury.

The signing of 22-year-old McLoughlin comes after Parish's emergency loan expired on Sunday.

The clubs had agreed to extend Parish's stay in South Wales but County had a last minute change of heart after Saturday's defeat at Mansfield Town.

Robins manager Steve Cotterill revealed: “I was surprised to see him back when we turned up at the training ground.

“We’d signed the forms and agreed a deal for him to stay at Newport, so we didn’t expect him to be back just yet.”

The Exiles statement on McLoughlin ends: "Newport County AFC would like to thank Bristol City and MK Dons for their co-operation in this process."