SWINDON Town midfielder Ricky Aguiar has joined National League strugglers Torquay United on a one-month loan deal.

Aguiar, who agreed a new three-year contract at the County Ground in July last year, heads to Plainmoor for a short spell "in order to gain some regular game time and aid his continued development," say Town.

The midfielder has not featured at all since the 4-0 FA Cup first-round defeat against Stockport County in November, while his last League Two appearance – and only league start of the season – came in the 1-1 draw away at Bradford City in late October.

Aguiar started all three EFL Trophy defeats this season but was sent off during the club’s final game in the competition – a 3-0 loss away at Bristol Rovers. On a brighter note, the attacking midfielder claimed an assist in Swindon’s 3-0 League Two win at home to Rochdale in August.

The former Worthing, Lewes, and Shoreham player joined Town in August 2021, and has made 32 appearances for the club.

Since arriving at the County Ground, the 21-year-old has netted two goals, with both coming in a 5-0 home thrashing of Walsall last February.

Aguiar's loan switch to Torquay marks the second time the midfielder has gone out on loan, having spent a highly-productive spell at neighbours Chippenham Town last season, where he scored seven times in 13 outings.

Torquay currently sit second bottom of the National League table after a difficult campaign so far, which has seen them pick up just four league wins all season.

Gary Johnson’s side are next in action this coming Saturday with a home league clash against Halifax Town.

In a statement from the club announcing the news, Town said: "We’d like to take this opportunity to wish Ricky all the best over the coming weeks, and we look forward to monitoring his progress."

After Aguiar’s move was confirmed by the Gulls, Torquay manager Johnson said via the club’s website: “I’m very happy that Ricky has agreed to join us.

“He will be a great addition to our squad. We’ve had him on our radar for some time, and we’ve taken this opportunity to bring him in, as on this occasion it’s the right player, at the right place, at the right time.

“Ricky’s got the ability to score goals, with a good touch and a good football brain, and will be very important to our cause.”