SWINDON Town have signed former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Anthony Grant on a permanent deal until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old was frozen out at the New Meadow last summer not long after triggering a year-long extension to his contract.

Following a brief spell training with the Shrewsbury youth team, Grant moved to Wiltshire on deadline day on a short-term loan deal.

After a string of excellent performances for Richie Wellens’ men, the club has opted to turn Grant’s temporary stay into a permanent one – though the fee to bring the combative midfielder to the County Ground is undisclosed.

Since making his debut in the 3-1 away victory against Leyton Orient on September 7, Lambeth-born Grant has played 19 games for Swindon and has won the affections of Town fans through his fierce tackling, endless endeavour and willingness to protect his teammates.

The ex-Chelsea youngster has also scooped two assists in his time at the club, playing key passes during the 4-0 win away at Crawley and the 3-0 success against Grimsby at Blundell Park.

In recent weeks, Grant has shown his adaptability by slotting in at centre back for Wellens as the list of injured centre-backs grew game by game.

The 32-year-old is set to make his first appearance as a permanent member of Town’s playing squad on Saturday as Swindon take on fellow promotion chasers Crewe Alexandra at the County Ground.