Sam Ricketts: Swindon sign Wolves defender on loan

Sam Ricketts has made 51 appearances for Wolves but is out of contract in the summer

Wolves defender Sam Ricketts has joined League One promotion-chasers Swindon on loan until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has not played a competitive game for the Championship side since November and was made available for loan in January.

The Wales international had been linked with a move to Coventry but instead opted to sign for their league rivals.

"With nine games to go, we need a calming voice on the pitch," manager Mark Cooper told BBC Sport.

"We're in a position where we need to be winning games and that's a big pressure for a young group. I just felt we needed an older head, someone who had been there and done it.

"Sam did it with Wolves last year. He captained the side with a record points tally, so I think he's ideal for us."

Ricketts was at Molineux for Friday's home win over Derby County, having taken on an additional coaching role over the past few weeks.

Capped 52 times by his country, Ricketts has been named in Chris Coleman's squad to face Israel in a Euro 2016 qualifier on 28 March.

Ricketts, whose grandfather Norman played for Swindon, is out of contract in the summer and has only made four Championship appearances so far this season.

Swindon, who are third in League One, do not have a game for two weeks as Saturday's scheduled opponents Walsall are playing Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final on Sunday, and their game with Colchester next week has been postponed because of international call-ups.