Motherwell have signed Ellery Balcombe on a loan deal from Brentford for the rest of this season.

The 25-year-old was recalled from a loan at St Mirren earlier this month over lack of game-time, but is set to be thrown in at Fir Park, and goes straight into the squad to face St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday.

Motherwell have a crisis within their goalkeeping department, with first-choice Aston Oxborough out for three months with a fractured thumb, Krisztian Hegyi was recalled by West Ham over lack of game-time, and Archie Mair was signed on loan from Norwich City less than 24 hours before debuting in a 3-1 defeat at Hibs a fortnight ago.

Balcombe has first-team experience at the Bees and after a 1-1 ELF Cup draw with Newport, saved two penalties as Brentford progressed.

The talented keeper has England caps at under-18, 19 and 20 level.

He told Motherwell's website: "I'm delighted to make the move to Motherwell.

"One thing I noticed when playing for St Mirren was the competitiveness of the league and the atmosphere at most stadiums.

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"This is a great opportunity for me to come back and do it again.

"I'm looking forward to getting started, and I can't wait to see you all at Fir Park."

Boss Stuart Kettlewell said: "I'm really pleased to welcome Ellery to the club.

"We've not had our issues to seek, with regards to injuries within the goalkeeping department.

"Ellery has played plenty of football this season in this league, so he won't need a settling-in period.

"Having watched Ellery on numerous occasions for St Mirren, you instantly recognise that he is a commanding presence in the box, and a leader in the backline.

"We look forward to seeing him in action at Fir Park."