AFC TOTTON boss Jimmy Ball insists loanee Joe Adams “can come straight in and fit our style of play” upon his arrival from Championship Wigan Athletic.

The attacking midfielder signed for the Football League outfit from Eastleigh’s academy in February this year, after impressing for England Schoolboys.

Adams, 18, has already made his debut for the Stags, helping his side to win 1-0 over Welland Rovers, and has targeted playing as much as possible in his spell.

And Ball, who will manage Adams until he returns to Wigan in January, told club media what he hopes he can expect from the teenager.

“Joe is a player who can come straight in and fit into our style of play. He’s got great energy, he’s young and enthusiastic, and he knows how to keep the ball, so he’ll slot right in among the players we already have,” he said.

“I’ve known about him for a while through Gregor Rioch and, previously, James Beattie in the Wigan Academy, and have been keeping tabs on him.

“Now is a good time to bring him to Totton to allow him to continue to develop as a player and help us through what – weather permitting – should be a busy but exciting period of football.

“He’ll be able to visit with his family while he’s here and play some football, too – so it’s a deal that works out well for all involved, and I’m happy that we’ve been able to get it sorted quickly.”

The Stags also confirmed the permanent signing of Matty Burrows, who had been on loan from Weymouth since mid-November, committing the next few years to Snows Stadium. 

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