HARROGATE Town have completed the loan signing of Ipswich Town goalkeeper Henry Gray on loan until the end of the season - with the 20-year-old in line for an immediate debut in the EFL Trophy at Stockport County on Tuesday night.

Gray is likely to plug the gap vacated by James Belshaw, who is close to sealing his move to Notts County.

Born in Germany, Gray, 20, moved to New Zealand at a young age and featured for the likes of Lower Hutt FC, Waterside Karori and Welllington Phoenix before signing a contract with Ipswich in May 2023.

He spent loan spells at neighbouring non-league clubs Chelmsford City and Braintree Town during his time at Portman Road.

Harrogate Town new signing Henry Gray, who has joined from Ipswich Town. Picture courtesy of Harrogate Town AFC.

placeholder image — Harrogate Town new signing Henry Gray, who has joined from Ipswich Town. Picture courtesy of Harrogate Town AFC.

Speaking to BBC Radio York, Harrogate chief Simon Weaver said: "We’re delighted to have him with us.

"He’s a talented young player who's really hungry to do well, he went out on loan last year to Braintree and helped keep them up and had great reviews.

"We’ve seen a lot of coverage of him and are excited about what he can bring.”

At Braintree, Gray would kept nine clean sheets in 20 games and was named as the club's Young Player of the Season last term.

Gray could make his debut in Tuesday's EFL Trophy tie at Stockport County. Picture courtesy of Harrogate Town AFC.

Gray has been capped at U20 level for New Zealand, being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament in the 2022 OFC U19 Championship winning campaign and was called up to the All Whites senior squad for the first time in May 2023.

On joining the club, he said: "The gaffer has put trust in me to come here and he's seen that last year and I've done the same thing with Braintree in doing my part in keeping them up, so hopefully I can do the same here.

"It's a step up for me, I've been in the National League South and in the National League and now currently at League Two, so it's a step in the direction of where I want to get to and I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do."

Gray is the club's second signing of the winter window following on from the earlier arrival of Waterford defender Grant Horton, while Jacob Slater's loan has been extended for the rest of the season.