SWINDON Town have signed free agent, Tom Brewitt on a short-term deal, the club has announced.

The 26-year-old centre-back has agreed a deal at SN1 until the end of the 2022-23 campaign and bolsters Jody Morris’ extremely fragile defensive line.

Brewitt is a former Liverpool academy graduate who has experience with Middlesbrough, AFC Fylde, and Morecambe in English football.

After spending 10 years in the Liverpool youth system and serving as captain during one of the Merseysiders’ Youth-Cup campaigns, Brewitt moved onto Middlesbrough's academy and then Fylde's first team to continue his development.

While at Fylde, Brewitt helped the National League club to FA Trophy success at Wembley Stadium in 2019.

Once his move to the County Ground was confirmed, the centre-back - who is also capable of playing in defensive midfield - said: “I’m over the moon to be here at such an exciting club that is chasing promotion and heading in the right direction.

“We’ve got a really talented young manager, and I’ve been able to get a good number of games under my belt over the last year or so. I feel ready for the challenge ahead.

“I’ll bring experience to the group as well as leadership qualities, and I can’t wait to get going.”

After making 27 appearances for Morecambe during the 2019-20 campaign, Brewitt signed for third-tier Tacoma Defiance in the United States of America. The defender scored twice in 29 games for the Washington-based outfit.

In February last year, the 26-year-old made the switch to Hartford Athletic, who ply their trade in the USL Championship – one division below Major League Soccer.

He netted three times for the Eastern Conference outfit before deciding to return to the UK.

Town head coach, Jody Morris, said: “Tom has come in and trained really well over the past few weeks and settled brilliantly into the group.

“He’s got a lot to offer and certainly strengthens us in the defensive areas. I’m really looking forward to working with him over the coming months and seeing what he can bring to the squad.”

Brewitt - who has one appearance and one goal for England Under-17s - has never been sent off in his senior career.

Town technical director, Sandro Di Michele, said: “Tom is a really good addition and we’re delighted to have been able to bring him to the club.

“He’s a combative right sided centre-half who will certainly bolster our backline, and I’m sure he’ll make an instant impact here at the County Ground.”