SUNDERLAND midfielder Jay Matete has joined League One promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle on loan for the second half of the season.

Matete has already joined up with his new team-mates at Home Park, and could make his Plymouth debut in tomorrow's league game with Bolton Wanderers.

The 21-year-old joined Sunderland from Fleetwood Town a year ago and has made 25 first-team appearances for the Black Cats, nine of which have come during the current campaign.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Jay made an immediate and positive impact last season and he was a huge part of our promotion.

"He’s worked tirelessly during the current campaign but found limited opportunities, so it’s only right for his development that we seek an option to get him more playing time in the right environment.

"Plymouth represents a great opportunity for Jay, as he joins a team in great form where the demands and expectations are high.

"We feel this best places him for a return to SAFC in the summer and we wish him well at Home Park.”