CHRIS Todd has returned to familiar territory to bring in a “tenacious little player” to add bite to Eastleigh’s Vanarama National League play-off push.

He has turned to his old club Swansea City to loan 18-year-old Irish youth international midfielder Tom Holland until the end of the season.

Holland boasts quite a pedigree, beginning his career at Bradford City before moving on to Leeds United.

He travelled across the Pennines to join Manchester City as a first-year scholar in July 2013 with the Sky Blues describing him as “a technical player with the vision to pick out a great pass.”

A member of the Ireland under-17 squad, he signed for Swansea in July last year and has been a regular in their under-21 side.

Holland would have been included in Eastleigh’s squad for last night's corner-turning 1-0 victory over league leaders Cheltenham Town which reignited their play-off hopes, but the club were still awaiting international clearance.

It is hoped he will get the all-clear in time for Saturday when the Spitfires – up to eighth - visit fourth-placed Braintree Town.

Todd, who was born in Swansea and made over 40 appearances for his home town club, said: “Tom’s a tenacious little player, a young lad who will put his foot in. He’s come to be part of something here.

“He’s hungry for the game and a good addition.

“It’s good to have a connection with Swansea. It’s a club I’m close to.”