BURY have signed young Brighton goalkeeper Christian Walton on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old Truro-born stopper has made just four appearances for the Championship side since joining from Plymouth in 2013.

But he has played 12 games for England at Under-19s and U20s level and Shakers boss David Flitcroft says he comes highly recommended.

"He is someone we have been monitoring and tracking for a long time," he said.

"Like any player we bring into the environment we have created we have done due diligence on Christian and we have had incredibly positive feedback.

"The references we have had have been from outstanding, well-respected football people who have only been complimentary in the goalkeeping skills Christian possesses."

Bury have struggled to recruit a full-time replacement for Brian Jensen since letting the former Burnley man go after the 2013-14 campaign.

Rob Lainton, who is the only recognised senior stopper currently on the books at the club, shared duties with last year's summer signing Shwan Jalal in the first part of last season before losing his place due to injury problems.

The number one spot was filled by Charlton loanee Nick Pope after he was signed in January.

And Flitcroft made clear his interest in signing the 23-year-old on a permanent deal after he played a huge part in helping the club secure promotion from League Two with a string of clean sheets.

But Pope has elected to stay and fight for his place at The Valley, going away with Charlton on their recent pre-season trip to Belgium.

It now looks as if Walton will be given a chance to follow in Pope's footsteps and use his season at Gigg Lane to stake a claim for regular Championship football at his parent club.

"The hunger he showed to join us and his belief in what we are trying to achieve as a football club was something I was massively drawn to," added Flitcroft.

"Christian is desperate to eventually become Brighton's number one and I am thankful he has joined us to be part of the vehicle which will endeavour to do that."

Walton was a regular on the bench for Brighton last season, breaking through to play four games, including his debut at Spurs in the League Cup. He kept clean sheets against Wigan and Middlesbrough.

The new keeper signs at the start of a busy week for Bury, who kick off a run of four games in as many days with the first match of their pre-season at Macclesfield tomorrow night.

They are also due to play Manchester United U21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday, at League Two Morecambe on Friday and non-league neighbours Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.