Mansfield Town midfielder Jack Thomas has joined Hednesford Town on a month-long loan.

The 18-year-old, who has formerly skippered the Stags’ youth team for two seasons, is eligible to go into the Pit Men’s squad for their home fixture against Gainsborough Trinity in the Vanarama North on Saturday.

The tenacious and tough-tackling playmaker, who has been a regular at reserve team level, made his senior bow as a substitute in a 3-0 victory over Rochdale last season.

Thomas is eligible to stay at Keys Park until Tuesday 20 January.

Hednesford currently occupy 11th position in the Vanarama North – seven points adrift of the play-off spots, but nine points above the drop zone.

Manager Adam Murray said: “I have worked closely with Jack over the last few years and he is somebody who I rate very highly. At the minute, I don’t believe it is the right time, with the position in which he plays, to give him the responsibility of a first 11 place in our team.

“He is somebody who I see being part of Mansfield Town in future years and the continued run of competitive game time over the next month will be huge in his development.”