Vale have taken over Mulligan's contract until the end of the season

The New Zealand international defender, 25, joined the Iron from Doncaster two summers ago but has not started a game for Scunthorpe this season.

And Vale have taken over his contract, which runs until the end of the season.

"I got a call from my agent last night saying Vale were interested," said Mulligan. "And I jumped at the chance. I can't wait to get my boots on."

I hope to make a difference and then, if I do well enough, earn myself a new contract at the end of the season" New Port Vale signing Dave Mulligan

The former Barnsley trainee, capped eight times by New Zealand, joins up with former Manchester United reserve defender Adam Eckersley, who signed on New Year's Day.

And he was Vale's second Antipodean signing of the day on Wednesday, following Aston Villa's young Aussie Chris Herd, who has also gone to Vale Park on loan.

"Even though the team are struggling at the bottom," said Mulligan, "hopefully I can come in, with a couple of other players, and start to do well.

"I am good going forward and have scored a couple of free kicks in the past and I can play in a lot of positions, so I hope to make a difference.