ACADEMY graduate Luke Haines has joined Chippenham Town on loan. 

The length of the loan deal has not been disclosed, but Swindon manager Richie Wellens has previously stated he does not want his young players to spend an entire season away from the club in case he requires emergency backup due to injuries or suspensions.

Haines will go straight into the Bluebirds squad for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Melksham Town - the final match before Chippenham get their National League South campaign underway.

Upon confirmation of the deal being agreed, Chippenham boss Mark Collier said: "Luke will provide competition for places in midfield can also play as centre back.

"He is very competitive, outstanding in the air, Alan McLoughlin speaks very highly of him and his arrival comes at a good time with our current injury and unavailability situation."

After signing with his boyhood club from the age of six, Haines rose up through Town’s ranks before becoming a vital part of David Farrell's Merit League side that came within a win of lifting the title last season.

Yet to make a professional appearance for Swindon, the League Two side are hopeful that Haines can accumulate plenty of game time in the National League South before coming back into the first-team environment with valuable experience of men’s football under his belt.