Coventry City snaps up Newcastle's Gael Bigirimana on emergency loan

Newcastle United midfielder Gael Bigirimana has joined third-tier Coventry City on an emergency loan, joining fellow Magpies' player Adam Armstrong at the Ricoh Arena.

The 22-year-old began his career with the east Midlands club and impressed enough during the 2011-12 campaign to earn a move to St James' Park in July 2012.

The Burundi international has made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Tyneside outfit since, and while his temporary transfer to Coventry is a short-term solution to its lack of depth, it also provides the opportunity of some much-needed competitive action for Bigirimana.

"We're coming into a busy period in the season so it is important we don't get caught short with injuries and suspensions, and Gael will help us with that," Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray told Kieran Crowley from the club's official website.

Coventry entertains Gillingham on Saturday, and will hope "Gigi" can have a similar impact to fellow Newcastle loanee Armstrong, who has 12 goals in just 14 games.