Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Fojticek has joined BetVictor Northern Premier League side Stalybridge Celtic on loan until January.
The 19-year-old Slovakian, who has featured for both Manchester United’s Under-18 and U23 teams, will gain valuable experience of senior men’s football.
And the deal was secured thanks to the friendship between Celtic manager Simon Haworth and Les Parry, his former physio at Tranmere Rovers, who now looks after United players who are sent out on loan.
Fojticek, who has been capped at U19 level for Slovakia, joined United from his historic home-town club of Tatran Presov three years ago.
He became the first Slovakian to represent United when he made his debut in October 2016.
As United’s number one, Fojticek won the U18 Premier League North title in 2017-18 and has since moved up to join Ricky Sbragia’s U23 side.
Former Wales international and Premier League player Haworth said: “We are thrilled to have Alex on board. It’s a great signing for the club to be receiving a keeper of his standard and to also build our relationship with Manchester United.
“A big thanks to must go to Les Parry, my old Tranmere physio, who has done us a big favour by helping make this happen.”
Fojticek will continue to train with United while on loan at Bower Fold and can also play for the Reds when not needed by Celtic.
In the event of Fojticek being absent of international duty for Slovakia, Haworth said United have promised to send a replacement goalkeeper.