Northampton Town have signed West Ham central defender Michael Forbes on a season-long loan deal.
The 21-year-old can also operate as a left-back and has one cap for Northern Ireland.
Forbes was part of a Hammers' under-21s side who drew 0-0 with the Cobblers in a friendly on Tuesday.
The move reunites Forbes with Northampton manager Kevin Nolan after the pair worked together at West Ham.
"He was a youth team player when I was there. I know what he is capable of and the levels he is capable of reaching," Nolan, who spent four years playing for the east London club and another four on the coaching staff, said.