York City today landed right-sided defender Richard Cooper on a month-long loan from First Division Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old's signature was rushed through his morning so that he can be included in the squad for tomorrow's visit of Hartlepool United.

Cooper, an England Under-18 international who joined Forest as a schoolboy, forced his way into first team contention upon David Platt's arrival at the City ground last season.

However, he has seen his first-team opportunities limited this season to just two outings as Forest close in on a play-off place.

Cooper will provide much needed competition at right-back for City.

Although Matt Hocking and Barry Jones have played in that position City boss Terry Dolan believes they are more comfortable in the centre of defence.

First choice wing-back Darren Edmondson is expected to return to training next week but will still be a number of weeks away from first-team contention, leaving just teenager Marc Thompson left to fill the void.

Updated: 15:28 Friday, March 02, 2001