Forest Green Rovers have signed Reading goalkeeper Lewis Ward on loan until the end of the season.

Rovers have been looking for a keeper since Robert Sanchez was recalled by Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month to compete with James Montgomery and Lewis Thomas.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Northampton Town where he made just five appearances, all in cup competitions.

Ward, who trained with his new team-mates today, has also had loan spells at Aldershot Town, Hungerford Town, Margate and Sutton United.

His spell at Aldershot last season was a successful one. He played 26 games as The Shots reached the National League play-offs.

Ward is hoping to fight for the number one spot. He's excited to join the club and is looking forward to working with goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain.

“It’s good to be here now and I’m really grateful that it is done and dusted,” said Ward.

“I think there was some talk in the summer but it didn’t come off. I wasn’t playing at Northampton and the chance came up again to come here and I thought I’d give it a go.

“I played a lot of games last season in the National League which was crucial to get first team experience and I think ticking that box was done and waiting for the League move this year was the right decision.

“It didn’t pan out at Northampton but I’m hoping to get my chance here.

“I knew the reputation of Pat Mountain before I came here, heard he was a good coach and everyone I have spoken to has said really great things about him and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Ward is a player that Mountain has been keeping a close eye on for some time, watching him live in a game where he featured against current FGR stopper James Montgomery in a game between Aldershot and Gateshead.

Mountain was pleased to get him in after losing Sanchez back to Brighton and says he has all the attributes to succeed in League Two.

“We just felt we needed another senior goalkeeper in to compliment the group after Sanchez got the call to Brighton,” he said.

“Lewis has already played over 75 non-league games, 26 of those for Aldershot last season, so he has got experience of playing men’s football.

“We just felt he is someone who would fit in here, he has got the attributes we’re looking for that will compliment James Montgomery and Lewis Thomas.”

Ward will wear the number 34 shirt and the signing is subject to FA and EFL approval.