County close to signing Ward

County are in the process of completing the signing of Aston Villa winger Jamie Ward, 19, on a one month’s loan.

Ward, who will sign if he passed a medical today, is expected to be put straight into the squad for tonight’s game at Bury.

Jamie Ward came to County’s attention when he scored twice against Sunderland for Aston Villa reserves, Ward has been a regular in the reserves for almost two years now.

Speaking to stockportcounty.com he said: ‘I got a call from my manager Kevin McDonald on Friday saying that County were interested in taking me on loan and I had no hesitation in agreeing to move to Edgeley Park.

‘I know tonight’s game is a bit of a derby so I hope I can get involved at some stage.’