CITY boss Glenn Roeder has swooped to sign highly-rated young Newcastle United midfielder Matthew Pattison on loan until January 1, 2008.

South African born, Pattison joined the Newcastle Academy at the age of 14.

The stocky and combative 21-year-old made his reserve team debut for the Magpies on August 20, 2003. He signed a new contract with United in December 2005 up until the end of this current season. The South African made his first team debut as a substitute against Everton in February 2006, after being given his chance by then Newcastle boss Roeder.

Pattison went on to make 12 appearances in the 2006-07 campaign, including three appearances as a substitute in Newcastle's Uefa Cup campaign that saw the Magpies reach the last 16 of the competition.

In March 2006 he received the 'Wor Jackie' award for outstanding young talent, and made his last appearance for the Toon on the final day of last season at Watford.

Roeder told First News he was delighted to secure the services of Pattison, who he says brings exactly the kind of qualities and character needed to help City fight back up the Championship table.

He commented: "When I was the Academy Manager at Newcastle, I was told that Matty Pattison would be our best player to come through into the first team and when I saw him play I was not disappointed. When I became the Manager at Newcastle, I used him both as a substitute and starting a number of games. He's a tough lad, the right sort for where we are now - he does not know what it is to lose."

Pattison is Roeder's second piece of transfer business since taking-up the hot-seat earlier this month, with Birmingham defender Martin Taylor already in the ranks after joining on loan.

He receives squad number 24.