Sunderland have made a signing, but it's not James McFadden as everyone might have expected this week. They have once again turned to the guidance of youth team coach Craig Liddle and brought in central defender Scott Harrison.

Harrison, 19, has spent time on trial at the Academy of Light, and has done enough to earn a contract to the end of the season. Harrison will also link up with former Darlington teammate David Ferguson who is also at the club having signed in the summer.

Development Squad coach Kevin Ball said of his new acquisition;

Scott was recommended to us and we gave him an opportunity to come in.

We see in him a lad giving all the intentions of wanting to work at his game and we feel he warrants a contract until the end of the season, which we were delighted to offer him.

Harrison made a breakthrough to the Darlington first team prior to them folding as a club, under the tutelage of Craig Liddle, who has now joined the set up as youth team manager, making 10 appearances and looking impressive in those.

The worry however is he has only recently returned to action having suffered a stress fracture of the spine. He did undergo surgery though and it seems to have healed enough to be offered a short-term deal at the club with a view to extending it.

Welcome to the club, Scott!