Livingston striker Nathan Lowndes and Aberdeen goalkeeper Ryan Esson have moved to English First Division side Rotherham United on loan.

Salford-born Lowndes joins the club on a four-week loan deal.

He has struggled to break into the SPL side's first team this season and looked set to join Third Division high-fliers Luton.

But Lowndes has decided to try his luck in South Yorkshire to help Rotherham in their fight against relegation.

Scotland under-21 cap Esson is surplus to requirement at Pittodrie with experienced Dane Peter Kjaer currently first choice between the sticks.

The 22-year-old has made 49 appearances for the Dons, including ten this season, but has not featured since early January.

"I can't wait to get stuck in," Esson told Aberdeen's official website.

"It's hard to get a game here at the moment with Peter Kjaer playing so well and with David Preece also waiting in the wings.

"A spell on loan will allow me to keep up my match fitness and I am looking forward to it."

Mike Pollitt is the established number one with the English First Division side but recently picked up an ankle injury and the Millers are anxious to have quality cover.

Meanwhile, two of Livingston's on-loan Brescia players, Dario Aurellio and Simone del Nero, will be returning to Italy before their next match with Celtic.

Aurellio played in 17 matches this season, but Del Nero failed to break through into the first team.