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Cheltenham Town have completed the season-long loan signing of Leicester City forward Kirsten Otchere. The 19-year-old becomes Steve Cotterill’s seventh addition of the summer and the first player to arrive at Whaddon Road on loan. The move was initially revealed in an exclusive Gloucestershire Live report ahead of the Robins’ competitive opener against Charlton Athletic. Otchere arrives following a productive campaign for Leicester’s Under-21 side, scoring nine goals and providing three assists from 12 starts and four substitute appearances in Premier League 2. The forward has carried that form into Leicester’s pre-season programme. He found the net against Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and Cadiz, while also registering two assists during a 3-0 victory over Northampton Town. Those performances suggested he was ready for a step into regular senior football, with Cheltenham now offering him the opportunity to continue his development in League Two. Otchere said the chance to gain first-team experience was central to his decision. “I’m delighted to be joining Cheltenham Town and I can’t wait to get started. It’s a great opportunity for me at a brilliant club. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to play first-team football. I hope for a successful season.” The signing adds another option to a Cheltenham attack which Cotterill has been attempting to strengthen before the beginning of the league campaign. The Robins had already completed six permanent additions, bringing in Charlie McCann, Jordan Shipley, Pierce Sweeney, Shaun McWilliams, Wyll Stanway and Joe Tomlinson. Otchere is a different type of acquisition. While the previous arrivals add experience to Cotterill’s squad, the Leicester youngster provides potential, pace and a desire to establish himself in senior football. His Premier League 2 return is encouraging, although academy form does not automatically translate into success in League Two. Otchere will have to adapt to the physical demands of the division, more experienced defenders and the pressure attached to playing for points every week. He may require time to settle, but his recent form indicates he arrives with confidence. For Cheltenham, the loan offers an opportunity to add a forward with clear attacking potential without committing to a permanent transfer. For the Foxes, it provides an important test of whether one of their leading academy performers is ready to make an impact in the senior game.