NEWCASTLE defender Harrison Ashby has completed his loan move to Swansea City, with his new boss Mike Duff revealing the full-back received a glowing character reference from Kieran Trippier.

Duff and Trippier know each other well and the Swans boss said the Newcastle and England defender couldn't speak highly enough of Ashby.

The 21-year-old joined Newcastle from West Ham in January but spent the second half of last season on the fringes at St James' Park and was also battling a hamstring injury.

Newcastle rate Ashby highly but with Tino Livramento likely to join the club and provide cover and competition for Trippier, chances would have been hard to come by for the full-back this coming season.

He's joined Swansea on a season-long loan and is available to make his debut in their Championship opener at home to Birmingham on Saturday.

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Swansea boss Duff said: “Harrison is a good player. I know Newcastle have spent a lot of money, but Dan Ashworth (Newcastle sporting director) does not sign bad players.

“I also know Kieran Trippier really well. He was really positive in terms of the character reference he gave me.

“I was keen to get it done for Harrison to join me at my last club. We think he is a really good player and a powerful player.

“First and foremost he is a good defender, but one who can also get in the final third and deliver good crosses too.

“He wants to get out there, and play lots of games.”