POWYS footballer Ryan Astley has sealed a loan move to Accrington Stanley as his reputation continues to grow.

The Wales Under-21, who is from Llanfair Caereinion and who plays full-time for Everton, will spend the coming season at the EFL League One club.

Having made his debut for the Liverpool-based giants' under-23s team at the age of just 16, Astley has continued to grow his reputation, and has represented his country at under-17, under-19 and under-23 level.

The 20-year-old started for Stanley in a friendly against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as a triallist, and has now joined the club on a season-long loan deal.

Accrington manager John Coleman said: "Ryan has got a good pedigree, he has represented Wales at Under-21 level and has captained Everton’s Under-23s.

“We need a solid defender and Ryan ticks all the boxes.

“He is a nice lad and I think he gets what Accrington is all about. I am hoping for big things from him.”

Astley added: "I am delighted to sign. I was looking forward to a change of environment, I think I needed that at this time in my career, and the lads are class, they have all welcomed me and it’s been really good.

"I am looking forward to playing games where three points are on the line week in, week out."

Lancashire-based Accrington Stanley returned to the English football league in 2006, before being promoted to the third tier of English football in 2018.

Since then they have become quite at home in League One, despite being considered one of the smaller clubs in a division that also includes the likes Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County, plus Shrewsbury Town.

Last season Stanley finished in 12th out of 24 teams in the highly competitive division, giving them a solid mid-table position.

The move is subject to Premier League, EFL and FA ratification.