SWINDON Town have secured their first signing of the January transfer window after snapping up Oldham Athletic midfielder Ollie Banks on loan until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old could make an instant debut for Town this weekend as he is available for tomorrow's home match against Forest Green Rovers in League Two.

Banks’ arrival takes the number of loan players in David Flitcroft’s squad back up to five following the return of Harry Smith to parent club Millwall at the end of December.

Keshi Anderson sees his own loan expire after tomorrow's game against Forest Green, although the club are pursuing a permanent deal for the forward.

Derby County duo Timi Elsnik and Kellan Gordon and Sheffield United’s Chris Hussey are expected to have their own loans at the Energy County Ground extended following their respective review periods this month.

With Town sitting just two points outside the play-off places in League Two at present, Banks is excited about the prospect of helping out in a promotion push.

Speaking to Town’s official website, Banks said: “I got a call on Tuesday and it was quite an easy decision, really. I’ve come somewhere with ambition and they’re looking at the right end of the table.

“The manager just said all the right things. He said he wanted me to come down and express myself and get the club where it needs to be, which is back in League One.

“It’s exciting. To get a loan move to a club who are clearly going places and are in a strong position is nice, so I can just add to what is going on.”

Banks’ arrival boosts Flitcroft’s midfield ranks as well as providing vital experience of what it takes to secure promotion out of the fourth tier, with the 25-year-old having achieved that feat while at Chesterfield during the 2013-14 season.

It also gives the Latics man a shot at regular game time in the Football League this season. The midfielder has played just nine times for Oldham in League One so far this term and recently spent six weeks on loan at Tranmere in the National League.

“There was limited game time at Oldham and I just wanted to come and play football under a good gaffer, to be honest,” added Banks.

“Collectively, we are looking for a promotion, that is what everyone is after.

“Personally, I can just do what I need to do to help the team. I’ll try to chip in with a few goals and good performances.”