Guiseley have boosted their injury-hit squad with the emergency loan signing of James Hurst from Vanarama National League rivals Torquay United.

The 23-year-old, who can operate in defence or midfield, arrives on a temporary basis until the end of the year.

Hurst was suspended by the Devon club following an alleged incident in Torquay town centre on November 7 and he missed the game at Barrow on Saturday which ended in a 4-0 defeat for the Gulls.

Hurst moved to Torquay from Hednesford Town in the close-season and featured in the Lions’ 1-1 draw at the Launa Windows Stadium earlier this season. He has scored seven goals in 17 league games.

The England Under-20 international began his career at Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, but he rejected a professional deal at The Hawthorns and instead joined Portsmouth.

He later returned to The Hawthorns, where he made one appearance, and had loan spells with Blackpool, Shrewsbury Town (twice), Chesterfield and Birmingham City.

He also had two spells with the Icelandic side Valur Reykjavic as well as playing for Crawley Town and Northampton Town before joining Hednesford Town last season.

Guiseley boss Mark Bower said: “I’m delighted to be able to get James on board and I’m sure he’ll bring quality and experience to the squad as we approach a difficult run of fixtures.

“For someone who’s only 23, he has plenty of experience and know-how at this level and higher up, so I’m sure he’ll be a real asset to us."