Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Conor Coventry will link up with his compatriot Zack Elbouzedi at club level after agreeing a loan move to Lincoln City from West Ham United for the rest of the season.
Coventry agreed a new contract with the Hammers last week. Several clubs were monitoring the 19-year-old, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, but he put pen to paper before making the decision to head out on loan as he looks for first-team minutes.
League One outfit Lincoln won the race to acquire his services, having snapped up Elbouzedi from Waterford FC before Christmas. The winger made his debut in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland last Saturday.
"I'm excited to get started at Lincoln," Coventry told the West Ham club website.
"I’ve been really impressed with the style of play they’re trying to commit to.
"I’ve learnt a lot about the club and I’ve spoken with their manager, Michael Appleton, who’s expressed his belief in me, which excites me.
"What’s most important now is what I can learn on the pitch as a player, and I’m looking forward to the test of playing senior competitive men’s football every day. I think Lincoln’s a really good place to do that and somewhere I could really excel."
Lincoln are 16th in the 23-team table but Appleton is hoping the combative teenager can help spark a strong second half to the campaign.
"He's got a fantastic range of passing and bags of energy, his energy is incredible, he doesn't stop running," the Imps boss said.
"Be it short passing or long passing, he’s got bite in the tackle and is someone that West Ham think very highly of. Once he settles down and gets to know the club and the players I’m expecting some big performances from him."
