WEYMOUTH have signed goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards from Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City on loan.

The 21-year-old trained with Weymouth on Thursday evening and provides competition for number one Gerard Benfield, with second choice Harry Dillon out of favour.

The Terras have so far used four goalkeepers this season, with Callum Smalley, Jared Thompson and Hugo Fisher all playing for the first team.

Wiles-Richards has enjoyed loan spells for Gloucester City and Hereford in the National League North but is yet to make his Championship debut for the Robins.

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Speaking to Echosport, Weymouth boss Bobby Wilkinson explained the decision to bring Wiles-Richards in.

He said: “I make it very clear that Gez has had an excellent season. I wanted to bring someone in for competition and freshen it up a bit.

“So, I’ve moved quite swiftly and tried to do a shrewd signing. I know someone very well at Bristol, so I contacted them and I ended up getting the deal done.

“I have to thank them for helping me to get this done. It’s just to let people know I’m not standing still. I want competition, I want people working hard and don’t get complacent.

“We’ve leaked a few goals in the last few games. I’ve looked at every department and I’ve moved swiftly in the loan market.

“He’s an unbelievable shot-stopper and distribution with the ball is very good. He’s a very confident goalkeeper. You don’t play for Bristol City, be around their bench, if you’re not good.”

Wiles-Richards goes straight into the squad to face Torquay United on Saturday (3pm).