Charlton complete loan deal for Middlesbrough attacking midfielder

Charlton have confirmed the loan signing of Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Alex Gilbert until the end of the season.

Gilbert, who has featured seven times in the Championship this season for Boro, has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U21 and U19 level.

He becomes the Addicks’ first signing of the winter window, with Nathan Jones looking to bolster his creative midfield options after Allan Campbell left to join Dundee on a permanent switch.

Jones commented: “I am delighted to have him, we’ve been looking to add more quality in the final third and Alex provides that.

“He comes with decent pedigree, having played in a very good Championship side this season, who trust us to further his development. “We don’t really like taking players on loan but when an opportunity comes up to add real quality, like this, we have to take it.”

Gilbert said: “I’m buzzing to finally get it done and finally be down here. I’m massively looking forward to Saturday. Charlton’s obviously a big club and from what I’ve heard the stadium’s really nice, so I’m looking forward to playing in front of all the fans.”

Technical director Andy Scott added: “Our focus in this window has been on streamlining the squad to ensure Nathan has players that are going to contribute to the run in and adding real quality to our team that improves us.

“We’ve been chasing Alex for a while now and we’re really pleased he’s joined us. We believe he has the ability to positively impact the team as he has done a number of times for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He has great quality in the final third, gives us something different in those forward positions and we’re looking forward to watching him in action for Charlton.”