Gary Mason has joined Dunfermline Athletic on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 21-year-old midfielder completed his transfer from Manchester City on Thursday following a successful medical.

Edinburgh-born Mason was a regular as City won promotion from the Second Division but has had a frustrating two seasons on the sidelines as the club climbed to the Premiership.

City agreed to release him from his current contract.

Experience

Pars manager Jimmy Calderwood was hopeful that Mason would follow in the footsteps of another young player who joined from a bigger club.

Barry Nicholson arrived from Rangers this season and has already established himself as a first-team regular.

"He's had experience of a big club and little Barry Nicholson was at an even bigger one," said Calderwood.

"It's never easy leaving a big club, but he wasn't getting a game and he wanted to play football."

Climb out

Mason burst into the City first-team two seasons ago without even having played for the reserves.

He made 23 league and cup appearances in City's climb out of the Second Division.

City manager Joe Royle said: "There is no doubt that Gary deserves it.

"Because there is so much competition here now, we are happy to let him go and get another chance."

Meanwhile, Blackpool are set to offer �50,000 to keep Dunfermline defender Brian Reid, who has been a success on loan with the English club.