Macclesfield keep Sappleton and sign Mills on loan

Sappleton has signed an 18-month deal at the Moss Rose

Macclesfield have completed the free transfer signing of Leicester striker Ricky Sappleton and have brought in Derby winger Greg Mills on loan.

Mills, 19, has joined the Silkmen on a month's loan from Pride Park and is likely to make his debut against Rotherham on Saturday.

Sappleton, 20, had been on loan since August, scoring six goals in 19 games.

Mills has come through the Derby academy while Sappleton has had stints at Oxford United and AFC Telford.

"I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm looking forward to getting on the scoresheet a lot between now and the end of the season," Sappleton told the club's website.

He already has a good scoring record for us so I'm delighted with the signing

Keith Alexander on Ricky Sappleton

"I just want to do as well as possible and push up the League."

Sappleton is also hoping his new contract will help him with his international ambition.

"On a personal level, there is the hope of getting called up to the Jamaica Under-23 side, who have some games in the summer," Sappleton said.

Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander has been impressed by the young striker's loan spell.

"This is the first time he's played regular first-team football and he already has a good scoring record for us so I'm delighted with the signing," he said.