Preston North End midfielder Jack Baxter has joined Northern Premier League Division One side Clitheroe on loan until the end of the season. 

The 19-year-old has made three appearances for North End's under-18s side this season but has yet to feature in Alex Neil's first team squad.

North End confirmed the news via the club's official website on Tuesday afternoon, confirming the midfielder would see out the rest of the 2019-2020 season with the Blues.

In a short statement, the club said: "Jack heads to the Blues who currently sit seventh in the BetVictor NPL North West Division as they push for promotion.

"Baxter will be looking to gain vital experience by playing regular first team football and goes straight in to Clitheroe's squad for Tuesday night's trip to Pontefract Collieries.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish Jack the best of luck for his loan spell at Shawbridge."

North End find themselves two points of the Championship play-off places and will be hoping to bring in more new faces to help them push back into the top six.

The Verdict

Transfer windows aren't always just about bringing in new faces and releasing some funds by offloading unwanted first team players.

They are a great opportunity for clubs to allow their younger players to leave on loan in order to gain some first team experience and this transfer is a prime example of that.

At 19, Baxter will be keen to get some first team football under his belt and in turn hope to push for a place in Alex Neil's first team squad.

Although the NPL is six tiers below the Championship in English football, the experience should help Baxter develop his game time and experience of senior football.

Whilst North End fans will hope that Baxter does well, they will be keen to see their side strengthen before the window closes in order to increase their chances of a top six finish.

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