NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Dan Barlaser has joined League Two side Crewe Alexandra on loan until the end of the season.

Barlaser – who turned 21 yesterday – could make his debut for the Railwaymen against Wycombe Wanderers at Gresty Road tomorrow.

The former England Under-18 international has made a handful of first-team appearances for the Magpies, the last of which came against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup in August.

He celebrated his birthday by scoring twice in Newcastle's Under-23s' win over Burnley, a result that put the Magpies' second-string well on course to qualify for the last 16 of the Premier League Cup.

Barlaser links up with a Crewe side sitting 20th in League Two, six points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the visit of promotion-chasing Wycombe.