Tranmere fans fund Matthew Pennington loan from Everton

Tranmere have re-signed Everton defender Matthew Pennington on loan until the end of the season, with help from a supporters' trust.

The 19-year-old returns to Prenton Park after making nine appearances for the club on loan earlier in the campaign.

He scored the winner against Crewe in January and also played in victories over MK Dons and Coventry City.

The Tranmere Rovers Trust has agreed to fund Pennington's loan move for the remaining five weeks of the season.

Tranmere are 20th in League One, just one point above the relegation zone.

Caretaker manager John McMahon said: "I'd like to thank the Tranmere Rovers Trust for helping us. It's a fantastic gesture from our supporters and I'm sure Matthew will repay them with his performances.

"The eight remaining matches of the season are massive for us and it's good to see the supporters backing the club in this way."

Trust chairman Ben Harrison said: "We're delighted to be able to help out in this way. The Trust would like to thank the supporters who pay into the 500 Club each month which has helped fund this loan signing."