Left-back Joe Heath has joined the Imps on an initial six-month loan deal from Nottingham Forest.

A former youngster with Manchester United, Birkenhead-born Heath joined Forest's Academy following his release by the Old Trafford club and made his first team debut for the City Ground outfit in a 4-0 Carling Cup tie against Morecambe in August 2008.

The 20-year-old went on to feature 12 times in League and cup for Forest during the course of the 2008/09 season and his loan with the Imps will officially commence on July 1st.

"Joe is a young, keen and enthusiastic player and I'm delighted that I've been able to bring him to the Club," said manager Peter Jackson.

"He had experience at Championship level last season and played in some big games for Forest so he's certainly got something about him and is a highly rated full-back.

"Whilst I've been able to bring Joe in I'm still on the search for a striker, especially as I recently lost out on someone who had verbally agreed to join us only to go elsewhere."

Heath will meet up with his new team mates at the weekend ahead of the pre-season tour to Celle, Germany.