EXPERIENCED defender Leigh Henry has joined Cirencester Town on loan from Maidenhead United for a month and is expected to go straight into the starting line-up for the game against the in-from Shortwood United on Boxing Day.

Henry plays two levels higher than Cirencester in the Blue Square South.

Town manager Brian Hughes has moved to bolster his defence which has leaked 12 goals in the last three games, including the 6-1 home drubbing by Bridgwater. Ciren will need to be on their mettle as Shortwood have won their last five matches.

Henry’s arrival sets up the possibility of his turning out against his old club Swindon Supermarine when Dave Webb’s high-fliers visit the Corinium Stadium in the big local derby on New Year’s Day.

Henry, 26, spent four years at Supermarine following his release from Swindon Town. He can play in midfield as well as in defence.

Hughes said: “I have tried to get Leigh many times in the past and things have luckily fallen into place this time.

“He will bring, for want of a better word, some nastiness to the side, which we are sorely lacking now that Reidy is out injured.

“Leigh will go straight into the back four for the Shortwood game, especially as we are also without Jon Beeden due to his work commitments on Boxing Day.”