Notts County have completed the signing of striker Ben Fairclough on a five-month contract.

The former Nottingham Forest man impressed Magpies manager Ian McParland during a pre-season trial.

Fairclough has scored twice in five pre-season friendlies and will wear the number 16 shirt at Meadow Lane.

The 19-year-old is in line to make his Football League debut in the season opener against Bradford City at Valley Parade on Saturday.

Meanwhile, defender Michael Johnson assured fans the club is in better shape now and will do better than last season.

The 35-year-old told the club website: "I'm not standing here shouting about getting promoted or in the play-offs but without a shadow of a doubt we will do better than last year.

"We have a fitness coach and things are far more professional.

"It is being run like a football club again and becoming more like the Notts County I remember."