Springthorpe signs for Fleetwood

Fleetwood Town have signed former Everton goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe on a short-term contract.

The 20-year-old, who was released by the Toffees in the summer, arrives at Highbury on a short-term deal having started the season with non-league side Ellesmere Port. Springthorpe was snapped up from Shrewsbury's youth system by Everton in 2011 for a reported six-figure sum. He was an unused substitute in the Premier League on three occasions, most recently in December 2013 for a 2-1 win over Southampton, but never made a senior appearance. Boss Graham Alexander instantly included Springthorpe in his matchday squad, naming the keeper on the bench for Saturday's clash with Swindon.