Doncaster Rovers solve goalkeeper dilemma by signing Brentford custodian

The move comes following Joe Lumley’s return to parent club QPR at the end of last year, with the 25-year-old having played nine games for Rovers after joining on a week-to-week emergency loan deal after Joe Bursik returned to parent club Stoke City.

Rovers, with just one first-team squad keeper on their books in Louis Jones, has now brought in Bees keeper Balcombe - to provide another valuable option for manager Darren Moore.

Balcombe arrives in South Yorkshire after signing a new long-term deal with the Bees, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2025, with the young keeper highly regarded by the club.

Bees head coach Thomas Frank said: “Ellery is one of our very good young goalkeepers, alongside Patrik Gunnarsson, who we have a huge amount of belief in.

"This new contract, and the chance to go and get important minutes with Doncaster Rovers in League One, shows the regard we hold Ellery in as a player for the future at Brentford.

"Many top players have made the step up from League One in recent years and this time at Doncaster will be a really good chance for Ellery to get vital minutes during this next stage of his development.”

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the London club and has made more than 50 appearances for the reserves, while appearing on the bench for the first-team.

He has also enjoyed previous brief loan spells at Boreham Wood and Danish side Viborg FF.

The youngster is a regular on the international stage with 18 caps for England from under-18 to under-20 level.

Balcombe was also part of the undefeated England under-21s squad which earned qualification for UEFA European Under-21 Championship earlier this season.

He has been allocated the number 1 squad number.