Ian Allinson has bolstered his options at the back for Boreham Wood with the capture of MK Dons defender Harry Hickford on an initial one-month loan deal until December 20.

Hickford, 18, joined the Wood in time to be an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Gosport Borough, before coming off the bench for the final five minutes of Monday’s 4-0 victory over Weston-super-Mare.

A central defender by trade, Hickford has previous experience of playing in the Conference South after spending time on loan at Chelmsford City towards the end of last season. The teenager has also previously gained first-team playing time during a loan stay with Cambridge City in September this year.

Hickford has yet to play for the League One side, but has twice been an unused substitute for the Dons after being handed his first professional deal at the club by boss Karl Robinson.

Speaking to the club’s website, Wood boss Allinson commented: “We have a busy period of games coming up and I want us to remain strong, while having options in all areas. I spoke to the chairman about my concerns and he has agreed to finance the loan.

“Harry trained well last night (Thursday of last week). He is tenacious, hungry to do well and is well thought of by his parent club.

“When he gets his chance to impress me, then he has to take it, he must learn from the senior players around him and above all enjoy the experience and his time with us.”

Hickford will be eligible for four games within his initial month at Meadow Park and is able to play in the Wood’s ties in the FA Trophy and Herts Senior Cup.