York City have signed Sunderland midfielder Jonjo Dickman on loan as cover for the injured Darren Edmondson.

The 22-year-old Black Cat, who has yet to make his full first team debut in Division One, has been brought in to add extra strength to the midfield.

Captain Edmondson is likely to be out longer than expected with the calf injury that kept him out of the squad that travelled to Boston United for their 2-0 defeat on Saturday, while central player Darren Dunning starts a two-week ban this Saturday.

A second signing could also be made before the week out with City manager Brass is trying to introduce a striker to the fray in time for Saturday's clash with Scunthorpe.

But it will only be a temporary arrangement.

He said: "We are looking to get a striker in as well, but unfortunately it will only be on loan with no money available until the end of the season."

Brass said he hoped the move would prove beneficial for both Hexham-born Dickman and York City. He said: "We've got him in on a one-month loan initially because Darren Edmondson is going to be out for a couple of games.

"I have always monitored him while he's been at Sunderland and while he's not ready for their first team just yet, he's not a million miles away.

"He will help us and hopefully him coming here will also help Sunderland get a better look at him as well. He's come here to impress and he's certainly got a lot of desire."

The loan move comes at a crucial time for the North-East born midfielder with Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy looking to trim his playing staff.

Former City loanee Michael Proctor, 23, recently moved to Rotherham while 22-year-old Michael Reddy, who also impressed during his spell on loan at Bootham Crescent, could be another casualty in the near future.

And with a central midfield squad including internationals Jason McAteer, Jeff Whitley, England Under-21 man Paul Thirlwell, Republic Of Ireland U21 ace Sean Thornton and former Celtic player Colin Healy blocking Dickman's route to the first team, an impressive spell at York is vital.

Dickman's key strengths are his work rate and strong passing ability as witnessed in his 14 reserve team appearances this season, but he is not an acclaimed goal-scorer although he did find the net twice in the reserves last term.

He returned from a nasty cruciate knee ligament injury in 2002 to get his first and only run out for the first team as sub in the 3-0 Premiership defeat at Manchester City on Easter Monday, after replacing Julio Arca.

Dickman comes from a strong footballing tradition with older brother Elliott now a member of the Black Cats coaching staff having had his playing career cut short by a hip condition.

City have a reserve game at Lincoln City scheduled for Wednesday.

Updated: 14:07 Tuesday, February 24, 2004