U’S SIGN BLACKBURN DEFENDER SCOTT WHARTON ON LOAN

Cambridge United have agreed a loan deal with Blackburn Rovers for defender Scott Wharton who joins the Club for the remainder of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League Two season.

The 19-year old, who plays at centre back, switches to the Cambs Glass Stadium and provides the U’s with ideal cover following the loss of Josh Coulson, who is recovering from an ankle injury which has ruled him out for the season.

Wharton is a product of the Lancashire side’s Academy and signed his first professional deal with the club in October 2015. Earlier this season, he made his senior debut for the club in Blackburn’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Burton Albion in August, before scoring his first goal for Rovers in a 4-3 win over Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup three days later.

Having since made a handful of appearances for Owen Coyle’s side, the exciting youngster joins the U’s to further increase his EFL experience and gives Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry additional defensive options.

Derry commented: “We knew that we needed to add someone in this position because we want to have competition for places across the squad.

“The loss of Josh Coulson for the rest of the season is a blow and Harry Darling is a young player who needs time to develop by experiencing regular first team football. We are currently exploring the best options for Harry to achieve that.

“Scott certainly adds that competition for the centre back positions, and would allow Harry to go out on loan, whilst also bringing his own qualities to the squad. He is an up and coming defender, who is keen to learn and will provide a strong challenge to both Leon Legge and Mark Roberts.

“He’s had experience of senior football this season and has developed well at Blackburn, but this is a great opportunity to pull on the shirt for Cambridge United and show his credentials.

“We feel he is the best option we can bring in at this time and look forward to working with him.”