Soccer:Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid has joined Championship side Sheffield United on an "emergency loan deal" until the end of November.
The estranged 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has joined the Blades in bid to regain match fitness, having recently returned from a troublesome hamstring injury.
The Dubliner will join Sunderland team-mate Nyron Nosworthy at Bramall Lane.
"It's a big boost to have him here for a month," Blades manager Gary Speed told the club's official website. "He is of undoubted Premiership quality and is therefore a good addition to the squad. His versatility will be very valuable to us and he is fit and ready to go."
Reid started last season in blistering form for the Black Cats, but a succession of fitness problems have seen him fall from the reckoning, although he was used as a substitute in the recent Premier League draws with Arsenal and Manchester United.
He has made 79 appearances for Sunderland since moving from Charlton Athletic in 2007 and has 27 caps for Ireland.
Giovanni Trapattoni, however, has not called him up to the international side in two years.