Stokes scored three hat-tricks in his 18 games at Falkirk as a teenager

Championship side Sheffield United have signed Sunderland forward Anthony Stokes on a three-month loan.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international will go straight into the Blades squad to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Sunday.

Stokes began his career at Arsenal, and moved to the Stadium of Light after a highly prolific loan spell at Falkirk.

The Dubliner, who can also play on the left side of midfield, scored 16 goals in 18 games for the Bairns in 2006/07.

Stokes has played in just three games for the Black Cats this season, although scored twice late on against Northampton in the Carling Cup.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told the club website: "He will give us more options on the left-hand side, especially as we have got a few injury niggles. He has also played in the hole and gives us great cover right across the frontline."

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