Kilgallon joined Sunderland from Sheffield United in January

Middlesbrough have signed Sunderland defender Matthew Kilgallon on loan until the end of the season.

He goes straight into Boro's boss Gordon Strachan's squad to face former club Sheffield United on Saturday.

Kilgallon, 26, joined the Black Cats from the Blades in January, but has since made only seven appearances.

"Matt can play left-back as well as centre-back," Strachan told Middlesbrough's website. "He gives us height as well as experience."

The York-born defender began his career at Leeds United before moving to Sheffield United for £1.75m in January 2007.

606: DEBATE I think he's very much been brought in as competition for places Fentmoore Mfc

"There's a hunger there. I've explained to him that we're probably looking at a certain position to start with and we'll see how it goes from there," Strachan added.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has decided to allow Kilgallon to join the Championship club after signing defenders Nedum Onuoha and Titus Bramble while John Mensah has returned to the Stadium of Light on loan from Lyon.

"He's a very good player, but he wants to play games," Bruce told BBC Newcastle.

"His career is not finished here but he'll benefit from another six months out on loan."

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