Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite has completed a loan move to Blackburn Rovers.

Everton's former Carlisle United defender has tonight made a temporary switch to Ewood Park.

The move will give 18-year-old Branthwaite the opportunity of first-team football in the Championship.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray told reporters today that a deal to take highly-rated Branthwaite to Lancashire until the end of the season is done.

And Branthwaite's move has now been confirmed.

Speaking on Blackburn's official social media channels, the young Cumbrian said: "I can't wait - I've been pushing to get this done.

"It's such a good club to come to and play, and hopefully we can be successful in the second half of the season.

"Once you get a taste of first-team football it's addictive...so I just want to play as much as I can and hopefully help the team out."

The Wigton player could be involved for Blackburn against Stoke on Saturday.

England Under-19 player Branthwaite has made one first-team appearance for the Toffees this season.

He recently returned from an ankle injury and has been in the squad for Premier League and FA Cup games.

The young Cumbrian burst onto the scene last term, making four impressive top-flight appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side after his move from Carlisle last January.

The News & Star charted Branthwaite's remarkable rise in a special report earlier this season.