Wilder boosts attacking options with loan signing of striker Gray

The 22-year-old has joined Town until the end of the season, with manager Chris Wilder delighted to sign a player he has long admired.

“James is a player who has always caught our eye, whether playing against us or in games we have been watching,” said Wilder.

“We think he will add something different to our squad. He is full of energy, he has pace and he can run in behind.

“He is also very aggressive, which is a trait I like, and he can be a real handful to defenders.”

Wilder has made his move with concerns still surrounding the fitness of leading scorer Marc Richards.

The 17-goal front man is struggling with an Achilles injury, and has undergone a scan to see if there is any serious problem.

Gray, who has also enjoyed short spells at Darlington and Kettering Town, has scored 14 goals for Accrington in 44 starts and 32 substitute appearances since signing for them in 2012.

He has scored five times this season, although he hasn’t found the net since bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon on September 13.

Gray has found starts hard to come by at Stanley, with his most recent being on November 6, while his last substitute appearance for John Coleman’s side came in the 5-1 thrashing by the Cobblers in January.

Gray was born in Yarm in the north east of England, but has represented Northern Ireland at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.

He is the son of former Northern Ireland international Phil Gray,