SWINDON Town have sealed the signing of Wales international defender Sam Ricketts on loan until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, who has made more than 50 appearances for his country and is in Chris Coleman’s squad for Wales’ upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel, had also been interesting Coventry City but County Ground boss Mark Cooper has secured Ricketts’ services to aid Town’s League One promotion bid.

The former Hull City and Bolton Wanderers man captained Wolves to the League One title last season and is also a player-coach at Molineux.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett has been using Ricketts’ coaching skills and experience by having him working with the team’s defenders and having an additional input in training and on matchdays.

Ricketts will join up with Swindon upon his return from international duty and Wolves have a 24-hour recall clause on Ricketts’ deal after the first 28 days have passed.

Former champion jockey John Francome, who hails from Swindon, is Ricketts’ uncle and he told the Advertiser yesterday that he was chuffed to see his nephew join his hometown club.

“It’s exciting isn’t it?,” said Francome. “I watched his first game at the County Ground - it’ll be nice to come see him there again.

“I have followed his career but I’ll be much more interested now. I spoke to his mum on Wednesday night and she told me the news.

“His family will be coming down. It doesn’t matter where he’s playing, they’ll be there. If he was playing in Timbuktu, they’d go and watch him, but Swindon’s a lot closer than Hull, that’s for certain.

“It’ll certainly reignite my interest, but it’ll be more interesting having Sam playing.”