Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has rejoined Notts County on loan for the rest of this season.
The 21-year-old previously had a spell with the Magpies earlier in the campaign, making 16 appearances after being drafted in as cover for the injured Sam Slocombe.
Patterson is now back at Meadow Lane and is eligible to face Wrexham in Sunday's National League showdown.
The deal comes after Notts head coach Ian Burchnall revealed that his squad had been affected by Covid-19.
“Everyone could see Anthony’s quality in the short time he spent with us,” said Burchnall.
“Having him back is a huge boost as it means we now have two excellent senior goalkeepers competing with each other for their place in the team.
“At a time when Covid could strike anyone at any time, and with a busy second half of the season approaching, it’s crucial we have strength in depth in all areas and Patto’s return certainly gives us that in the goalkeeping department.
“As mentioned at the time of his recall, we have maintained close dialogue with Sunderland and we’d like to say a big thank you to them for trusting us with Patto’s continued development. It’s great that they appreciate the progress he made while working with us and we look forward to bringing him on even further in the months ahead.
“This may also give us the chance to get Tiernan Brooks out on loan following his beneficial spell at Worksop earlier this season. Senior game time is very important for Tiernan at this stage of his development and it will be good to get him back out there.”
Patterson will wear the number 25 shirt during his second stint at Notts.
