Manager Billy McEwan has taken the 24-year-old for a month's loan from Rovers, the Division 1 club is saying on its official website.

Rovers boss Ronnie Moore said: "He will benefit from playing first team football at Mansfield Town."

However, early on Tuesday evening the Stags were unable to confirm the report, although it is thought the player has been training at Field Mill this week.

But after the FA Cup replay on Tuesday, McEwan confirmed the signing and said the player would go into the squad for Torquay this Saturday.

McEwan said: "He is a good player and we have lots games coming up and we need more bodies in with experience.

"We have a number of young lads here who are just not ready to bring in."

Ahmed, a product of the Manchester United academy, went to Prenton Park in the summer of 2006. He also made 40plus first team appearances in four years at Huddersfield, where he started his senior career.

Moore described Ahmed as: "Strong in the tackle, likes to get forward and can play in the centre and right side of midfield."