Boro land Clayton

Clayton, 22, has joined the club from Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity, having previously spent time at North Ferriby and Harrogate Town.

He will go straight into Boro’s squad for Saturday’s home clash with Evo-Stik North leaders Salford City.

Joint-boss Paul Foot said: “We spoke to Dan when he was at North Ferriby earlier this season. He was on the fringes at the time and was quite keen to come.

“He was offered the chance to stay at that level by Gainsborough though and he decided to do that, which is understandable.

“Dan rang us up a couple of days ago and told us that he hadn’t been playing and asked if we were still interested.

“We did everything properly by getting hold of Gainsborough and we made sure that the deal was done in time before the deadline.

“He is a player with good pedigree, who can play on the wing and up front.

“Dan is somebody who will get the ball and run at people, which is exciting for us, giving us another option.”