SUNDERLAND winger Jack Diamond has joined League One side Lincoln City on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has had two spells in League Two with Harrogate Town and scored 14 goals in 39 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit last season.

However, Sunderland have made the decision to further his development with a spell in the league above with the Imps.

The winger said: “It’s great to get it over the line. The whole process has been a long time coming and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve played a full season last year with Harrogate and need that consistency to keep pushing myself in my career - this club is a great platform to do it. The facilities here are really good and hopefully I’ll fit in well and help progress my career further.

“I’m direct, work very hard and like to get goals and assists. I’m keen to improve all of the time and, having spoken to everyone here, I’m confident I can do that.”

Diamond has played 44 games for the Black Cats first-team but was always going to struggle for game time within the current squad. Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Elliot Embleton all currently stand in front of him in the pecking order.

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Jack did really well in League Two and he has continued to progress with us throughout pre-season, so the natural step for him now is to demonstrate the same levels of performance and consistency in League One.

"We look forward to supporting Jack in that endeavour and working closely with Lincoln, who have an excellent track record of managing and developing young players."