Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley feels he has added real quality to his squad with the loan signing of Reading defender Sean Long.

Cowley is delighted to have the 20-year-old Royals full-back on board and said he would be available for tonight's home game against Gateshead in Vanarama National League.

He is a player that the Iron boss has had his eye on for a while and said Long would be with his team until the end of the season as he needs cover for the injured Remy Clerima.

Cowley said: "We have taken Sean on loan from Reading and are really pleased to add him to the squad.

"We have Remy (Clerima) who is struggling with a groin problem and that has left us a bit light.

"Mitch Brundle has filled the gap and done a great job, but we just wanted more cover there.

"We have know about Sean for a long time as we have watched Reading's under-21s a lot.

"They have a lot of really good players in that group, so we are delighted to have Sean with us.

"We were surprised he was available but were really pleased we could get him.

"He has already been at Luton on loan this season and has made 15 Republic of Ireland Under-21 appearances so he has good experience already.

"When you bring someone into your squad at this stage of the season, you want to add players who will add real value to you and have an impact and we feel we have that with Sean. 

"He'll be with us until the end of the season and he will come into the squad for tonight's game against Gateshead."