Bryant Bilongo has joined League Two side Harrogate Town on loan for the remainder of the season, Bristol Rovers have confirmed.
The left-back joined in the summer from Middlesbrough having had loan spells in the National League with Woking and Ebbsfleet United and made an instant impact, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 opening day victory over Northampton Town, a game which was also the 23-year-old’s EFL debut.
Bilongo has made a total of 18 appearances for the Gas in the first half of the campaign but hasn’t played since November 26 in the 2-0 defeat at home to Blackpool.
Speaking to Harrogate’s club media, the left-back said: “I’m so pleased, I’ve followed this club for quite a few years now since I know a couple of people here and I’m really excited to get started.”
“I was delighted the manager was so keen to bring me in and it’s something I wanted a lot, so I was delighted it happened so quickly.
“I can already see it’s all about energy here, even in passing drills in training the intensity is there, I want to give the fans something to get behind.”
Manager Simon Weaver added: “He’s an exciting young left back with really good agility who can get up and down the pitch.”
“As soon as I met him his infectious personality and attitude came across, as well as the enthusiasm to join us.
“He fits our needs perfectly and we’re excited to see him play, he’s got height, presence, is athletic and has pace to burn.”
Bilongo will be available to potentially feature against Rovers’ West Country neighbours Cheltenham Town at the Exercise Stadium on Friday. with Harrogate currently 21st in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone. The move will also see the 23-year-old play alongside Gas promotion hero James Belshaw.