Manchester United's central defender Luke McCullough has joined Cheltenham Town on a one month loan deal.





The 18 year-old defender is a highly rated player at Old Trafford and was the club's Academy side skipper throughout 2011-12. Luke, born in Northern Ireland, made 25 appearances last season and he was also nominated for the prestigious Jimmy Murphy young player of the year award.





Cheltenham Town's new loan signing spoke exclusively to Robins Player shortly after his arrival.





"I'm very happy to be playing league football, it's a step up from reserves at Man United. I'll be playing with older and stronger men here, so it's a new test for me and I'm looking forward to it.

"From what I've heard Cheltenham's a good club, nice little stadium, good fans and they like to play the game the right way as well.

"It's a lot different to old Trafford but it's proper football in a proper league and every point matters."





Luke, formerly of Dungannon Swifts, has represented Northern Ireland at U16 and U17 level and has been likened to his fellow countryman and team-mate Jonny Evans.





"We are delighted to have brought a young talent in from Manchester United," said Mark Yates.





"Luke is a proper defender and dominant. Neil Howarth has done well in getting the deal to go forward and I would like to thank Manchester United for their help. It will be a big test for Luke but one I'm sure he will cope well with."





Luke should be eligible to play this evening pending Premier League approval and takes the number 24 shirt.