Forest Green Rovers have completed the signing of defender Andy Taylor from American side Austin Aztex.

The 23-year-old right back has agreed terms with the club and will go into the squad for Wednesday's pre-season friendly with Malmesbury Victoria if the club receive international clearance.

The Aztex, based in the Texan city of Austin, are affiliated to English Premier League club Stoke City and play in the second tier of the United States soccer league.

They are managed by former Everton and Burnley front man Adrian Heath and have a number of English players on their books.

Liverpool-born Taylor, who can also operate in midfield, combined his playing role for the Aztex with studies at the Oklahoma City University.

Taylor has been handed the number 2 shirt for next season by Rovers, replacing former fans' favourite Alex Lawless who departed for York City.

Striker Andy Mangan, who has yet to agree a new deal with the club, retains the number nine jersey.

Player-assistant manager David Brown has been handed the seven shirt.

Forest Green Rovers Squad numbers 2009/10 season

1. Terry Burton

2. Andy Taylor

3. Curtis McDonald

4. Lee Ayres

5. Mark Preece

6. Paul Stonehouse

7. David Brown

8. Paul Lloyd

9. Andy Mangan

10. Conal Platt

11. Jonathan Smith

12. Jonathan Else

15. Jonathan Pugh

16. James Baldwin

17. Tom Pass

18. Steve Davies

19. Marcus Palmer