BRISTOL Rovers have this morning announced the signing of young Middlesbrough defender Jonny Burn.

He became Darrell Clarke’s fourth signing in the January transfer window and has agreed a permanent deal.

The central defender began his career with the Sunderland Academy before joining Middlesbrough in March 2013.

Although he was unable to break into Boro’s first team, he has gained valuable experience during loan spells with Oldham Athletic and with Kilmarnock and has skippered Middlesbrough’s Under-21 side.

He scored once in 12 league games for Oldham last season and has played eight games for Kilmarnock this season.

Speaking of his new signing, Darrell said: “Jonny is another highly rated young, hungry, defender looking to establish himself as a Football league player and having sampled life in League One with Oldham he is now keen to further his career.

“I am looking forward to working with him and I’m sure he is the type of player our supporters will warm to.

“I am grateful to Middlesbrough for allowing Jonathan to sign for us and, once again, thank our own Board of Directors for sanctioning this, our fourth signing of the month to date.”

He is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game against Swindon Town at the Memorial Stadium (12.30pm).