League One side Peterborough United have completed the signing of Chippenham Town youngster Joe Andrews for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day.

The 18-year-old will remain at Hardenhuish Park until the end of the season as he has been immediately loaned back before joining up with Posh in the summer.

Andrews is a versatile midfielder player who has made 25 appearances in National League South so far this season having joined from Southampton in the summer after leaving their academy.

He had become an increasingly important player for Gary Horgan’s side, who are sat 13th in the sixth tier at present, well clear of any danger but adrift of the playoff chase.

Peterborough, meanwhile, are struggling at the base of League One, with just two places and five points above the relegation zone.

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson said of the signing: “Joe is a young lad that we have had our eye on. He is a really good footballer.

"We keep an eye on the non-league scene, he has been brought to our attention because of his performances.

"He has played quite a few games for an 18-year-old, he will go back to Chippenham on loan, we will keep an eye on him and try and get him in to train with us, initially with the Under 21s, where we can.”

The midfielder has also been capped by the Wales Under-19 squad and other Welsh youth sides due to his impressive displays, including a man-of-the-match performance against Dorking Wanderers in December.

Andrews is the second Chippenham player this season to make the move to League One after Dan Ellison moved to Bristol Rovers in July after beating off interest from Championship clubs.

Andrews said: “I spent a long time within the Academy at Southampton and that gave me a good grounding, but I have really enjoyed playing for Chippenham in the National League (South) and it is good that I can go back and finish the season.

“My focus now is on helping Chippenham until the end of the season and then my full focus will be on Peterborough, training well and hopefully showing what I can do.

"When I heard about the interest from Peterborough, it was obviously something that I wanted to make happen because this is a club that gives opportunities to young players.

“I had other options, but I knew this club would help me with my development under this manager."