Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate says rising star Connor Malley has bagged a "great move" in joining Ayr on loan.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a loan deal with Mark Kerr's Honest Men until the end of the season.
He joins up with the squad at the start of next week and Woodgate told his club's website: "Ayr is a great move for Connor.
“They’re going well in the league and Connor is going into a real competitive environment.
“We’re all really pleased with how Connor his is a great opportunity for him and this an important step in his development.”
Ayr boss Kerr tonight hailed the "very exciting" signing.
Malley becomes Ayr's fourth signing of the January window following Aaron Drinan, Grant Gillespie and Scott Tiffoney.
Kerr said: "Connor is one of Middlesbrough’s top prospects and is very close to breaking into their first team.
"I have been down to see him several times and he is a very exciting attacking midfielder.
"He travels well with the ball, goes by players and is a goal threat.
"Now this gives us really good depth in the middle of the park and I am delighted to get this over the line.”
