TRANMERE strengthened their defensive resources with the loan signing of John Johnson from Middlesbrough last night.

The 20-year-old prospect has agreed a deal to keep him at Prenton Park until the end of the year.

Johnson, who made his Premier League debut against Chelsea this season, could make his Rovers debut in tonight’s League One encounter with Scunthorpe.

However, Johnson looks to have been recruited with an eye to replacing Ryan Shotton, who is due to return to Stoke after completing the third month of his loan with Rovers in e FA Cup second round tie at Peterborough on Saturday.

Manager Ronnie Moore said: “John is a talented young right-back who is comfortable on the ball and likes to get forward.

“He is a good passer of the ball who will get crosses into the box, and he is also capable of playing centre-back if needed. I’d like to thank Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate for allowing one of his most promising youngsters to join us for a month.”

Meanwhile, Rovers recalled striker Terry Gornell from his loan spell at Accrington last night. Gornell has scored four goals in 11 appearances for the League Two side who hope to negotiate a longer term loan in the January transfer window.