Mick signs striker on loan

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Leeds striker Simon Johnson, 21, on a month's loan. He'll accompany the squad which travels to Gillingham today for this weekend's league fixture at the Priestfield, and has been allocated shirt number 11.

West Bromwich-born Johnson started his career at Hull City in November 2002 then moved to Leeds on a free in December 2003. Since then he's put in some useful performances for the Yorkshire club's reserves, and made his first senior team appearance against Charlton as a second half substitute shortly before Leeds were relegated; Leeds won that game 6-1.

Johnson, who was last season's top reserve league scorer with 15 goals,
may potentially link up with Mick McCarthy's men ahead of tomorrow's
Coca Cola League fixture against Gillingham.

Leeds United describe Simon as "both a useful target man and skillful to boot, having been known to attempt and score the odd spectacular goal".

However part of the deal with Leeds includes that the youngster will NOT feature for Sunderland in our forthcoming Carling Cup second round match, to avoid him being cup-tied when he heads back to Elland Road, nor will he be able to play against Leeds in our league fixture against them later this month.

Leeds gaffer Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio Leeds, "Simon's not been involved and I need to try and find funds to sign players. It's a financial situation as well as a good chance for him. He needs exposure and time to develop."