PAUL Carden says coming to Warrington Town may be “a culture shock” for Scotland international Jay McEveley but he is confident of the impact he will have.

The Yellows boss moved to bring the 33-year-old defender in on loan from former club Tranmere before yesterday’s player registration deadline.

Carden said the move came about through being “a bit snookered” defensively due to news of skipper Jay McCarten’s ankle injury being worse than first feared.

McCarten has not played since January 27 and Carden now expects him to miss the rest of the season.

McEveley may not feature until the Easter weekend, but Carden says his experience will play a big role on and off the field.

“We thought we were getting a young centre half from Accrington, but that didn’t happen,” the Town boss said.

“It left us a bit snookered because we got news that Jay McCarten’s injury is worse than first feared. He’s going to be out for the season.

“We needed to act and obviously, I have a good relationship with Tranmere.

“I spoke to Steve Jennings and he told me Jay hadn’t been in the team at Tranmere and it didn’t look like he was going to get back in.

“I phoned Mickey Mellon (Tranmere manager) up and asked what the chances would be and he said we were more than welcome to speak to him.

“I gave Jay a call. He asked to think about it but he phoned me back five minutes later and said he needed to come and enjoy football again.

“He knows a few of the players and said he had heard nothing but good things.

It will be a bit of a culture shock from where he’s been at. He’s probably going to miss the next two games but I know he’ll enjoy it.

“He’s really looking forward to it and it’s good to get him in. He’ll be of great help to the young lads, people like Liam Goulding in particular.

“For someone like Liam, who has been absolutely outstanding this season, for Jay to come in can benefit him massively. Even if it’s just with a little tip here and there.

“His experience will come in on and off the pitch. Hopefully he’ll have a big part to play.”

Another player to join Yellows on loan for the remainder of the campaign is winger Mekhi Leacock-McLeod, who arrives from League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Carden believes the 21-year-old’s “electric pace” will see him compliment fellow winger Devarn Green.

“We’re starting to see the best of Devarn now. He’s over his injury and he’s raring to go every game,” he said.

“We’ve got some quick players, but Mekhi is electric quick in the way that he goes past players.

“He’s been in and around Accrington’s squad this season, but he’s seen that we’re challenging and he wants to come and have an impact.

“It’s good for young lads from league clubs to come and play real men’s football and be part of something we’re trying to achieve.”