Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of Ben Liddle from Middlesbrough.
The 22-year-old central midfielder has joined the Gas on a two-year deal, becoming Ben Garner's 11th first-team signing in this window.
The left-footed midfielder made seven appearances for Boro's first team, and had loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Scunthorpe United in the EFL.
"We are very pleased to welcome Ben to the club, Garner told the club's website.
"He's had a good grounding at Middlesbrough and has had the experience of loan spells in the EFL.
"Ben is technically very good & has a great range of passing. He will give us excellent balance as a left footer & adds to the competition we have in central midfield.
"We feel there is a lot of development to come from Ben & we look forward to working with him.”
The Gas have been keen on the player for some time and formalised their interest by watching him play for Boro's under-23s against Stoke City last month.
Bristol Live understands Liddle has joined on a free transfer with performance related add-ons included in the deal that could go to Middlesbrough.
"It's been a few weeks in the making and I was glad to finally get it over the line at the start of the week and kick on now," Liddle said.
"I've heard it's a young, hungry team with a manager that wants to play football right way so that was a big factor for me at my age.
"I'm 22, I want to come and play men's football and get as many games under my belt as I can."
The 5ft 7in midfielder brings vision, a range of passing and balance to the Gas midfield being naturally left-footed.
He will compete with Zain Westbrooke, Josh Grant, Ed Upson and Tom Mehew for one of the two holding roles in Garner's 3-4-2-1 system.
