Middlesbrough goalkeeper Bradley James has joined National League North side Gateshead on a short-term loan deal.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper will join the Heed until December this year and is set to make his debut in a friendly this evening.

James has been training with the Boro first-team squad this summer and featured for Jonathan Woodgate's side in their first two pre-season friendlies, against Grazer AK and Gateshead.

He was a regular in the Boro under-23s last season, making 16 appearances, and was on the bench when the side won their first-ever game in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The goalkeeper has been at the Riverside since joining the academy at the age of 13 and signed a professional contract with the club in the summer of 2018.

The 20-year-old had his professional contract extended by the North East club earlier this year.

Joining Gateshead is not James' first move away from Boro, as he spent time on loan with Billingham Town two years ago.

Woodgate's side begin their Championship campaign against Luton Town in just 10 days time.

The Verdict

This is a move that makes perfect sense for all parties involved.

James was extremely unlikely to feature for the senior side this season, so sending him somewhere to get some first-team experience is a smart move by Boro.

Given his stature in the club, this isn't a move that is likely to impact the Teesside club at all this season and is one that could pay dividends in years to come.

It seems like a deal that works for the National League club as well. James featured against Gateshead in a friendly earlier this summer and, clearly, they liked what they saw.