Plymouth have bolstered their ranks with the signing of Norwich youngster Saxon Earley ahead of Saturday’s trip to the UniBol.

The 20-year-old full-back has joined the Pilgrims for an undisclosed fee after spending the first half of the season on loan at League Two side Stevenage, where he made 27 appearances.

Steven Schumacher’s side are currently four points clear at the top of the table following their 3-1 win against MK Dons on New Year’s Day.

“I’m really excited to play for Argyle,” Earley told the club’s website. “I can’t wait to start and get out there and meet the fans.

“When a club like Argyle comes in for you, it’s hard to turn down such a good club. To me, there wasn’t much doubt at all. I was delighted when they showed interest and I’m really looking forward to it.”

He added: “I’ve come here to do my best to keep it going in the right direction, hopefully for the rest of the season and onwards.

“Every time I put on the shirt I’ll give everything I’ve got. I like to think I am a hard-working, 100 per cent sort of player.”

Plymouth also completed the signing of New Zealand international Ben Waine from Wellington Phoenix on the opening day of the window.

The speedy forward has scored three goals in eight appearances since the start of the A-League season.

He also featured against Costa Rica in the intercontinental play-off last June as New Zealand narrowly missed out on a World Cup place.

Schumacher said: “He is a player I have been tracking for over a year now and we made an attempt in the summer to try and bring him to Home Park.

“Ben is a young player who has a tremendous attitude and a willingness to learn and improve. Hopefully, he can help score the goals that will maintain our push for promotion.”

The Pilgrims have won their last four league matches as they aim to build on last season’s performance, having narrowly missed out on a play-off place on the final day.

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