PORTLAND United have secured the services of forward Connor Bent on a dual registration deal with Weymouth Under-23s.

The Blues have been tracking the Terras’ hotshot for the majority of this season and have now swooped to bolster their attacking ranks.

It comes after a groin injury to top scorer Greg Borthwick, who may require surgery after playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.

Portland also allowed Luke Sheehy to return to Wimborne Town for the foreseeable future, while reserves’ striker Troy Walbridge is not match fit to provide cover.

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Speaking to Echosport after securing the deal, Portland United boss Kyle Critchell spoke highly of Bent’s ability.

He said: “Since the beginning of the season, I met Craig (Adams, Weymouth U23s boss) and I think he’s a fantastic guy and manager.

“He’s always kept me updated but he’s had to focus on Weymouth first.

“They’ve got to a period now where he believes a lot of those young lads need those experiences in men’s football, in particular Wessex League football which is a really good standard.

“Connor has shone every time I’ve gone to watch the under-23s. He’s flexible, adaptable and hungry.

“I’m hoping he can make a difference for us in that short period of time. It’s on an initial month, dual registration with a view to extending if both parties are happy.

“I’m just over the moon for Weymouth to allow this to happen, in particular Craig and Bobby (Wilkinson, first-team manager) so it really does help us when we’re without Greg.”

Bent could make his debut against Christchurch on Saturday, while Portland are also understood to have made a seven-day approach for another forward.