Mark McChrystal "jumped" at the chance to join Scunthorpe on a short-term loan deal.
The Tranmere defender, 28, signed hours before making his debut in the club's 2-1 defeat to Bury on Tuesday and is looking forward to playing regular football.
"I'm delighted to be here," he said.
"It's a good club, and I was delighted to hear of the interest. As a footballer, you want to be playing."
Manager Brian Laws praised McChrystal for slotting straight into the team.
He said: "Great credit to him because he went out there without knowing a soul. I thought he did very well considering he's just walked into this football club."
