Back-up Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward is on his way to Scotland for a season-long loan spell with Aberdeen.

The Scottish Premier League outfit welcome 22-year-old Ward, who signed a new long-term deal with the Reds earlier this week, to add competition for current goalkeepers Scott Brown - who was the first-choice last season - and Jamie Langfield at Pittodrie.

Ward has been an almost everpresent in goal for Liverpool's under-21s, but has been sent out in order to find the game-time he is unlikely to get in the senior side at Anfield

Liverpool only recently released second-choice Brad Jones, but the arrival of free agent Adam Bogdan from Bolton Wanderers meant that Ward remained a third-choice shot-stopper behind the Hungarian, and no.1 Simon Mignolet.

The Welshman, recently called up for his country's huge 1-0 2016 European Championship qualifying victory over Belgium, has only been capped at an under-21 level, but is seen as one for the future for both club and country.

Ward, who joined Liverpool from Wrexham in 2012, made the substitutes bench 23 times for Brendan Rodgers' senior squad last year.

Aberdeen boss pleased to have Ward on board

Dons boss Derek McInnes, speaking after the deal was completed spoke of his delight - insisting that Ward was a youngster they have "been aware of for some time."

He added: "We're thankful to Liverpool and particularly Brendan Rodgers for allowing this deal to happen.

"We have got some real competition for places in all areas of the team, and we certainly now have that in the goalkeeping position.

"We believe Danny is going to have a good career as he goes forward and we are looking forward to the opportunity of working with him as part of his development.

"He can also help us to be successful."

Ward, who earlier this week expressed his desire to challenge for the gloves on Merseyside in the future, will spend the entire 2015-16 season with Aberdeen and could make his debut on Sunday in a friendly against St Johnstone.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.