SAM Wedgbury has joined Worcester City on loan until the beginning of January.

The 17-year-old was snapped up by Sheffield United's academy after shooting to stardom in City's FA Cup run last season.

But the Premiership club's youth set-up do not have another match in 2006 and have agreed to send Wedgbury out for some match experience.

He will be in the squad for tomorrow's FA Trophy first round match at Barrow and stays with the St George's Lane club for their Nationwide North double header against Kettering Town and trip to Redditch United.

A decision will then be taken on whether Wedgbury, who also played for City against Nuneaton Borough in August, has to return to Bramall Lane before City visit Farsley Celtic on January 6.

Player-manager Andy Preece said: "He's going to be available for the weekend so that's good news for us.

"We will have him over Christmas and into the New Year. That's a good signing for us and it adds to the competition for places."

City have been in talks with United's academy manager Ron Reid for several weeks over a possible move and finally clinched the deal this week in time for Worcester's second journey of the season to Barrow.

The teenager played a prominent part in helping the Blades reach the FA Youth Cup fourth round on Wednesday by scoring a penalty in their 8-7 shoot-out victory over Watford at Bramall Lane.

United chief Neil Warnock and Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd were also at the match to assess the progress of players.

Preece said: "He's progressing really well and he's one of the key players in the academy team. I think he's been made captain on occasions as well."

City chairman Dave Boddy welcomed the move and said it provided vital cover for the team during the busy festive programme.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted. He's a great character to have around.

"He's so mature for his age, not to mention his undoubted ability.

"Obviously it will be a great bonus for us over Christmas. It's an impossible time to bring people in so it's a real bonus."

Meanwhile, City's match at Kettering Town on Boxing Day, which kicks off at 3pm, will be segregated.

Live updates from City's FA Trophy match at Barrow will be available as usual at www.thisiswcfc.co.uk