EASTLEIGH have bolstered their defensive reserves for the Vanarama National League run-in.

The Spitfires have signed 20-year-old AFC Bournemouth defender Shaun Hobson until the end of the season.

Hobson started his career with Burnley before signing for the Cherries in the summer of 2016 after impressing on trial.

Described by his parent club as “a composed centre-back”, he had a previous spell on loan with Eastbourne Borough before spending the back end of last season with Chester, who were then in the National League.

Eastleigh boss Ben Strevens, whose side sit just outside the play-off zone, said: “Shaun is a player we have monitored over the course of the season and is someone who has played at this level already, having been on loan at Chester last season.

“Due to transfer windows, we had to get this deal done. However, Shaun is still a couple of weeks away from being match fit.

“He will continue his rehabilitation at Bournemouth and then will link up with the squad when he is ready.

“He is the perfect player to bolster our defence and someone who will play a part as we come to the back end of the season and push for the play-offs.”

Hobson has previously played against the Spitfires in the Hampshire Senior Cup.