THERE’S something new on the menu at Gigg Lane.

The arrival of full-back Dean Howell on loan from Fleetwood Town not only gives Ronnie Jepson another option on the left side of his defence, it may also improve the fayre on offer at the club canteen.

Devout vegan Howell owns his own organic food company and counts the likes of Irish moss, bladderwrack and goji berries among his pre-match snacks.

The 32-year-old has played for 14 different clubs in a varied career and also spent a short spell with the Shakers on loan in 2008, playing three games. He has made nine appearances for Fleetwood this season.

Howell arrives on loan until January 5 and will go straight into the Shakers’ squad for this weekend’s FA Cup clash at Gigg Lane with Cambridge United.

Jordan Mustoe’s return to Wigan Athletic leaves Jepson with a choice to make in his back four, with Howell going toe-to-toe with former captain Gareth Roberts for a starting place.

Danny Hylton will also be part of Saturday’s squad after extending his loan from Rotherham until the New Year.

The striker has played three times for the Shakers so far but has yet to open his account and sat out last weekend’s defeat to Torquay with a knee injury.

Youth teamer Regan Walker made his senior debut from the bench in that match and was yesterday rewarded with his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old striker has penned a two-year deal after joining the Shakers following a spell at Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Aiden Chippendale has also seen his contract terminated after a loan spell at Chester FC.