Portsmouth have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers defender Hayden Carter on loan for the remainder of the season. 

The 22-year-old is Danny Cowley's first signing of the January transfer window after the departures of Miguel Azeez, Ellis Harrison, Gassan Ahadme and Paul Downing.

Carter spent time on loan at Burton Albion last season and has made ten appearances this season for parent club Blackburn as they chase promotion.

Speaking about the signing, Cowley told Hampshire Live: “We’re delighted to bring Hayden here. He’s a young player who we know well and played a pivotal role at Burton last season.

“He arrived in the midst of a relegation battle and they then achieved play-off form to finish in mid-table.

“Hayden has backed that up with a number of appearances for Blackburn in the Championship and is someone who loves to defend on the front foot."

Cowley is a big fan of what Carter brings to the team and is looking forward to seeing him play: “He’s aggressive and has a physicality about him, while he also has athleticism and pace. For such a big boy, he’s very mobile.

“There’s also a real threat from set-pieces and that’s an area we’ve been trying to add to in terms of scoring goals.

“So we’re really pleased to have him with us for the second half of the season and are excited to see how he can contribute.”

The Verdict

It's a good signing for Portsmouth who after the departure of four players were looking light.

Carter comes at the perfect time as Portsmouth are looking to break into the playoffs this season and his experience of League One with Burton will prove to be massive given the stakes being so high for the Brewers last season.

Carter will no doubt be the first of many more and it's a good place to start with the highly rated youngster.