THE Sunderland scouts at Bootham Crescent will be keen to see how Keith Graydon adapts when he makes his League debut for York City against Southend United tomorrow.

Sunderland, who have been regulars to Bootham Crescent watching the progress of fellow Black Cat Michael Ingham, will now have a second reason to keep an eye on the club.

Graydon has yet to make a League start at the Stadium of Light, and has not previously been out on loan, but it is his recent form that has seen them rise through the ranks.

Having joined Sunderland three years ago, the Dublin-born striker has been limited to the youth set-up, where he has hardly been a prolific scorer.

However, it is since his promotion to the reserves this is that Graydon has begun to make an impact, scoring six goals in eight games.

Now, Graydon, who is described as 'quick and agile' by sources in Sunderland, will be handed his chance on the League stage.

City manager Terry Doland said: "We always knew the deal would go through. It was just as case of when. He has been training with the squad for a couple of weeks now and knows all the players. He is another body on board for us."

City needed to get in a player on loan as the squad was trimmed on deadline day with the release of Alex Mathie, Aiden O'Kane and James Okoli.

Graydon is likely to partner Jon Parkin up front with fellow loanee Anthony Shandran, at the club from Burnley, dropping to the bench.

With Tom Cowan sitting the match out through a one-match suspension, then Stephen Brackstone will come into the midfield with Graham Potter slotting back into the left wing-back role.

Also back in the squad is Lee Bullock, who missed the last two away games through injury.

- York City intermediates will travel to Macclesfield tomorrow, kick-off 12noon.

Updated: 11:35 Friday, March 28, 2003