HIGHLY-rated professional footballer Rhys Norrington-Davies, from Aberystwyth, will ply his trade in the Sky Bet Championship in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Wales U21 international has joined Luton Town on a season-long loan deal from Premiership club Sheffield United, just days after featuring in their pre-season friendly success at Derby County.

Having enjoyed temporary stints at Barrow in the National League and last season with Rochdale in League One, the versatile left-sided operator will be keen to continue his development in England’s second tier with Nathan Jones’ Hatters.

The 21-year-old left-back started out in Aberystwyth Town’s Academy, before being snapped up by Swansea City, and then joining the Blades in 2017. He has also gained 14 caps at Under-21s level.

Norrington-Davies came straight into Luton’s starting side for their 3-1 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup first round last Saturday, and he said that it was good to be back out on the pitch.

“The only thing that was missing was the fans, but I’m looking forward to playing in front of them as soon as possible,” said the former Penglais School pupil.

“Two seasons back I went on loan to Barrow, that was a good stepping stone, and my first taste of senior men’s football. I really enjoyed my time there, and I managed to pick up quite a few games.

“Then last season I was at Rochdale. It was a bit of a shame the way the season ended with Covid, but I have been looking forward to getting back to playing football again and seeing what the new season brings.

“The main reason for coming to Luton was the way the gaffer plays,” the defender added. “I believe in what he says, and his philosophy. I’m going to give my all and make sure I do right on the pitch, and hopefully the fans get behind me.”

Manager Nathan Jones said he was delighted to have signed the Aberystwyth man, who had netted on his EFL debut for Rochdale on the opening day of last season, before going on to make 34 appearances for the League One outfit prior to Lockdown.

“Rhys is someone with a great pedigree from Swansea and Sheffield United, and is someone I’ve watched all through last season at Rochdale," Jones told the Club’s website. "We were well aware of him and really liked him, so when he became available we wanted to get him in.

“He had a really good season in League One playing in a few different positions, so he’s versatile, but we’ve brought him in as a left-back because the full-back positions are so important to us.

“He’s athletic, he’s committed and has a great desire to do well, which is what we want. Players who are hungry to prove themselves at the level. He’s a proper attacking full-back and who’ll supply real competition for us.

“Having another fellow Welshman in the building is a welcome bonus, but we’re delighted to have him here and are looking forward to working with him.”