Huddersfield Town player heads out on loan for rest of the season

The 18-year-old embarks on his first senior loan after making six first-team appearances

Huddersfield Town youngster Jay Smith-Sway has joined National League outfit Hartlepool United on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old embarks on his first senior loan after making six first-team appearances for the Terriers earlier in the campaign.

The defender featured five times off the bench, against Leicester City, Sunderland and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, as well as against Newcastle United under-21s and Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy. The youngster also made his first senior start for the Terriers against Harrogate Town in the latter competition.

Smith-Sway joins a side that are ninth in the National League, two points outside the play-offs with seven games of their season left to play.

“I’m pleased to be here. As soon as I heard about the chance to come in, it was one I wanted to take straight away,” Smith-Sway told his new club’s website.

“I had positive conversations with the manager and it was clear how much he wanted to bring me in and where I fit into the way the team wants to play. That gave me real confidence in the move.

“At this stage of my career, getting regular senior minutes is important, and I see this as a great opportunity to take my game forward.

“You can feel the size of the club and what it means to the supporters. I’m looking forward to playing in front of them and being part of that.

“There’s a clear objective with the push for the play-offs, and I’m ready to come in, work hard and do everything I can to help the team.”

Pools’ first-team manager Nicky Featherstone added: “Jay is a player we’re really pleased to bring into the group.

“He’s still very young, but you can see straight away the qualities he has. He’s comfortable on the ball, he understands the game and he’s got the kind of energy and attitude we want in the squad.

“He’s a highly-regarded young player at Huddersfield and someone they see as one for the future, so bringing him in at this stage is a big positive for us.

“We had good conversations with him and it was clear he was hungry to come here, to work and to improve and that’s always important for us.

“He gives us flexibility as well. He can play in midfield and in defensive areas, which is a big advantage, especially with the games we’ve got coming up.

“We know what we’re working towards between now and the end of the season. It’s about staying focused, working hard every day and giving ourselves the best chance in that push for the play-offs, and Jay is someone who can help us do that.”

Smith-Sway could make his debut for his new side when they take on Wealdstone away from home on Tuesday.