BURNLEY midfielder Steven Hewitt has joined Conference side Southport on a one-month emergency loan deal.

Hewitt, who has previously had a loan spell with Alfreton in the Conference, joins the Sandgrounders until the end of their season on April 26.

The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances for the Clarets, making his debut in April 2012 before starting his first game for the club in a 1-1 League Cup draw against Plymouth Argyle in August of that year, where he scored in the penalty shoot-out.

Hewitt has been involved with the Clarets’ first team just once this season, as an unused substitute at Leicester City in October.

"I am looking forward to playing some competitive football where you are playing for points," he said.

“I have been hoping for a loan move for a while and I have played in the Conference before, so I know what to expect.

“It is a decent level and I can’t wait to go and play for Southport.

"I know their manager has been to see me play a few times and hopefully I can go there and help push them up the table."

Hewitt will meet up with his new team mates on Friday ahead of their clash against Torquay United on Saturday.