Versatile Widnes Vikings star Ed Chamberlain is joining Workington Town on a season-long loan.

Chamberlain made a handful of appearances for the Super League side last year and played at Whitehaven for the season on dual registration.

The 20-year-old can play full-back, centre or on the wing and Town head coach Dave Clark believes he will be a valuable addition to the squad.

Clark said: “Ed is versatile, athletic and very creative with the ball in hand. He will add further power and pace to the team and he can also kick.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him in action and he’s available for selection in our first friendly against Widnes.”

This news comes hot on the heels of the announcement Town will play a Widnes Under-19 side in their opening pre-season friendly on January 21.

Widnes will also use the fixture to give several first teamers a run out at Derwent Park (kick-off 3pm).

And a second fixture, against another Super League outfit, is still on the cards as talks continue, to go alongside the existing Ike Southward memorial derby against rivals Whitehaven on February 5 at Derwent Park.

But the club will not be resting on its laurels over the festive period, as Clark keeps up the schedule ahead of the new League One season.

Town will train over the Christmas break and then several more players could be added to the squad in the new year.

Clark will make a final decision on several talented amateurs that have been training with the club to try and earn a professional contract.

The successful players will sign in early January.

The first game of the new season sees Town pitted against old rivals Whitehaven once again in the League Cup first round, on February 19 at the Recreation Ground.

The third round of the Challenge Cup takes centre stage the following week. Then, the first League One match sees Town at home to Newcastle Thunder on March 4.