Sunderland Under-21 striker Harry Gardiner has joined South Shields on a loan deal until May 1.
The 19-year-old – who has spent time with the Academy setup at Shields – will link up with Kevin Phillips and his side for the final six games of the Northern Premier League season, with the Mariners needing a maximum of just nine points to secure promotion to the National League North.
Gardiner has hit a run of excellent form in recent weeks, scoring five goals in four U21 games to earn a nomination for February's Premier League 2 Player of the Month award. He has scored seven times in 16 PL2 games this season, and has recently trained with Tony Mowbray’s first team.
The Sunderland-born forward will be eligible to make his returning debut on Saturday as South Shields host second-placed Radcliffe, a chance to take a huge step towards the league title.
All at SAFC wish Harry the best of luck during his time at the 1st Cloud Arena.