Leigh RMI have signed former England under-21 international Mark Ford to boost their fight against the drop.

Ford, who won his international caps while playing Premiership football with Leeds United, has joined the Railwaymen on a month's loan from Darlington.

The 27-year-old has also played for Burnley and Torquay United.

He will make his Conference debut against Southport on Saturday alongside former Burnley team-mate Gerry Harrison, who has shaken off a knee problem.

"I am delighted," said Leigh boss Mark Patterson. "We are getting a player with experience and pedigree. He will add some more steel to the midfield and he doesn't give the ball away cheaply."

Leigh have financed the move with the help of a supporter and local businessman, who has already made his Body Image gymnasium set-up available to the squad and will now contribute to Ford's wages.

However, Leigh could soon lose 13-goal top-scorer Dino Maamria to relegation rivals Stevenage Borough.

Patterson will reluctantly allow Maamria, 28, to join Boro to improve the financial situation at Hilton Park.

A fee has been agreed between the two clubs but Maamria, who has also played in the Conference for Doncaster and Southport, will play for Leigh on Saturday and will not be allowed to move until Patterson has signed a replacement.