Young defender Scott Holding has joined National League South side Dover Athletic on loan until January 9.

The 20-year-old will go into the Whites’ squad for their home game with Bath City at The Crabble on Saturday.

Holding moved to Watford in May 2022 from Stockport County on a two-year contract, with an option to extend by a further year.

He captained County’s Academy team, and made his senior debut for them in the FA Trophy while still a teenager.

As well as regular appearances for Watford’s Under-21 side last season, Holding also had a spell on loan at Stalybridge Celtic.

He made five appearances for the Northern Premier League side in October 2022, but was sent off after only 49 minutes of his debut against Ashton United for picking up two yellow cards.

This season Holding has had only limited opportunities in Charlie Daniels’ Under-21 side, the most recent being when he started the 4-4 away draw at Swansea City in early October.

Dover are currently one off the bottom of the National League South table, having won only one of their 22 league games.

Hemel Hempstead (13th) and St Albans City (17th) are in the same division.

On social media, Holding said he was “excited to get going” when Dover announced the move earlier this afternoon.