MICHAEL Reddy today admitted the Proctor factor played a major role in his decision to join York City.

Reddy, signed from Sunderland on a month's loan, made an immediate impact on his debut as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw at Hartlepool on Friday.

And the highly-rated Irish under-21 international is looking for more of the same after admitting the success of Black Cats' team-mate Michael Proctor while on loan at City last year had proved a source of inspiration.

During a season-long loan spell with the Minstermen, Proctor finished top-scorer with his sparkling form grabbing the headlines and attention from a range of top clubs.

It was enough to persuade Sunderland to offer Proctor a new contract during the summer and after a recent successful loan spell with Bradford he is now back at the Stadium of Light as new boss Howard Wilkinson casts a closer eye over the young striker.

"The team seem to have been doing quite well this season and Proc has obviously told me all about them and how they've being doing so I was delighted to come," explained Reddy.

"I know how well Michael did here last season and he made a bit of a name for himself. He also said he enjoyed it here and he said they are a good bunch of lads and it's a good set-up.

"Obviously, at Sunderland I'm not really getting games and this is a good place to come and get games. It's a good club with a good tradition and that was also a factor."

The desire to get a run of competitive games under his belt is understandable after recent injury troubles pegged-back the 22-year-old's progress.

He said: "I've been out for a long time, for about a year, with some dodgy hamstrings but hopefully those problems are behind me and I just want to play now, help the team get as a high up the league as possible and score a few goals."

Reddy, who only hooked up with his new team-mates just hours before Friday's kick-off, was delighted with the way his Hartlepool debut went and was impressed by the performance of the Minstermen.

"I really enjoyed it and the lads played some really good football," he said.

"It was a good game to play in and the supporters seemed to enjoy it too.

"It would have been nice to have got a goal because I had a couple of chances but that's the way it goes."

Manager Terry Dolan was clearly delighted with fleet-footed Reddy's impact.

"Let's just say he's got reasonable pace," he joked. "We just want him to settle in and give us another alternative. He wants to play games and we can give him that opportunity."

Dolan is in discussions with Sunderland as to whether Reddy will be allowed to play in the FA Cup first round tie with Swansea on November 16.

Watford have already barred on-loan winger Lee Cook from playing in the game while City will also be without the services of Chris Brass, who will serve a one-match suspension.

York City reserves were playing their counterparts from Sheffield United this afternoon in a friendly at the Blades' training ground.

Trialist Neil Ashley, the former Nottingham Forest, Leicester and Bristol City midfielder was included.

Updated: 12:29 Monday, November 04, 2002