Mansfield Town have signed Newcastle United youngster Kelland Watts on loan until the end of April.
Watts 20 is yet to make a first team appearance for the Magpies but was included in the matchday squad for the last game of last season against Fulham in the Premier League and has already played 15 times in League Two for Stevenage after being loaned out to the Hertfordshire based outfit earlier this campaign.
An England U19 international Kelland is versatile and can play in defence or midfield adding flexibility to Manager Graham Coughlan’s options.
“He is technically very good. He’s big, strong and suits the division. I would say his best position is centre-half, but if he needs to, he’s comfortable in front of the back four.
“He knows what the division is about and he’s young, fit and hungry. He has a desire, work rate and attitude, which is exactly what we’re looking to build here at this football club.” Said Coughlan.
Watts is likely to feature for the visit of Carlisle United tomorrow in a proverbial six-pointer that could see the Stags in 21st leapfrog their opponents in 19th with a win.
Suffering with a back injury Kellan Gordon is missing for Mansfield whilst Hayden White and Jordan Graham will be assessed prior to kick off. Carlisle Manager Chris Beech ahead of the game stated “Mansfield have some very good players and they will be unhappy with their league position. We’re at a stage of the season where everybody needs points for their own reasons and it’s no different for both teams this weekend.”
“We know the threats they have because they have strikers and attacking players who can score goals and create good opportunities, but we’ll prepare properly and, as always, it comes down to what we do.”
Kick off is at 3pm at the One Call Stadium with tickets still available.
*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Kelland Watts has valuable League 2 experience with Stevenage.