We are delighted to announce the signing of Jamaican U20 international defender Luke Badley-Morgan, who joins on loan from Stoke City.

Former Chelsea youth Badley-Morgan represented England at U17 level before switching allegiance to represent Jamaica just before joining Stoke.

The left-sided centre-back made five appearances at the U20 CONCACAF Championship as the Reggae Boyz reached the quarter-final, and now makes the switch to Airdrie as he continues his development.

After completing his first training session with the squad today, Luke told airdriefc.com: “It’s been going on for a couple of weeks to get me out here, but finally it’s done and I’m happy to be here.

“I’ve heard it’s a great division to play in and a great club to play for, so I just want to get started and get the feel of it.

“I’d say I’m a ball-playing centre-half. Obviously I played at Chelsea, so I’ve got the fundamentals to play and be on the ball. Being at Stoke it’s the other side of the game, getting physical and aggressive. I feel I’ve got everything to be a ball-playing centre-half and an aggressive defender.”

Manager Rhys McCabe added: “We’re pleased to get Luke in, it’s been a process over the last couple of weeks.

“He came up and trained really well this morning, it looks like he’s slotting in right away. He’s quick, aggressive and plays on the front foot – that’s what I like in a defender, so hopefully he can add good value to the team and we’ll go from there.”

Welcome to the Diamonds, Luke!