LOAN ranger Michael Proctor has declared himself ready for Division Three action after being thrust into the York City spotlight less than three hours after meeting his new team-mates.

He only arrived at Bootham Crescent at 5pm last night but by 7.45pm he was in action in City's 4-0 friendly defeat to Leeds United.

Although he was unable to add to his pre-season goals tally - he had scored four in four games for Sunderland's reserves - he showed enough in the 45 minutes to suggest he has a lot to offer.

"It was good," he told the Evening Press after coming off at half-time as boss Terry Dolan replaced the entire starting XI.

"Going straight into the game was difficult but I thought we did really well and put up a good show."

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, Proctor has arrived on a month's loan from the Black Cats, with a review to be held at the end of that term.

"As our reserves haven't got a game for a month I thought it would be a good move to get a few games and some experience," he said.

Born and bred on Wearside, he came through the Sunderland's junior ranks and made his senior debut three years ago as a substitute in a League Cup victory over Everton, but his career was curtailed by a cruciate ligament injury.

After returning to full fitness, he has found first-team opportunities limited with Niall Quinn, Kevin Phillips, Kevin Kyle and Daniel Dichio at the club.

He enjoyed a successful three-month loan spell at Danish First Division club Hvidore at the start of last season and scored four goals for Halifax Town during an 11-game two-and-a-half-month stint at the Shay at the end of the campaign.

"Halifax was a different standard and style to reserve and Danish football," said Proctor, who became a hit with the Shaymen support.

"We were scrapping for the club's survival. I scored a few important goals and hopefully I'll get a few here. I know what to expect in Division Three and hopefully York will be at the other end of the table.

"I played against York last season and they won 2-1. It looked like they had a good set-up.

"The likes of Lee Nogan, Alex Mathie and Alan Fettis have all got experience and hopefully they can pass on a few things."

Tall and quick, Proctor came close to going with Sunderland's first team on their mini-tour of Holland before his York move.

He said: "Like many Premiership clubs, Sunderland have a massive squad and a lot of good strikers. It's difficult to get a game there. If I do well hopefully I can boost my profile."

For much of his career he has been under the guidance of former York City player and youth-team coach Ricky Sbragia, who is now reserve-team coach at the Stadium of Light.

"I spoke to Ricky on the phone and he said York were a good club and that I would get a good welcome," he said.

"He said it would be good for my career to get the experience."

Proctor is expected to be involved in City's opening Division Three game with Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday. "Hopefully we can get three points. Rushden are new to the League and will be looking to get off to a good start. It's up to us to stop them."

Dolan gave Proctor's first 45 minutes in City colours the thumbs-up. "Considering he only got here and met the players at five o'clock he did well. He will give us that little bit extra."

"Leeds had quite a strong team out so it was a good workout for us. We worked on one or two things defensively."

Updated: 12:00 Thursday, August 09, 2001