Stuart McCall aims to polish up his defence by signing a Poland under-20 international.

McCall has gone back to Sheffield United to borrow right back Ben Starosta for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old will not be involved at Bury tomorrow as he recovers from a slight knee niggle. But his arrival will provide some cover to the back four and direct competition for regular choice Darren Williams.

Starosta began his career as a winger before being converted to defence. But he still loves to get forward and support the attack.

McCall said: "With every other outfield department we've got people vying for spots. Right back was the one area where we didn't have that since Tom Harban went and then joined Halifax.

"Daz has done a good job in there but it does no harm to have someone coming in to push him for his place.

"We've got young Damian Hopkins who plays in our practice games but he's one for the future and at the moment hasn't enough experience. Ben has been playing regularly and will be a good addition."

Starosta spent the first half of the season on loan at Brentford and made 23 appearances - including their 2-1 win at Valley Parade in November. But his final game against Wycombe on Boxing Day ended early when he was sent off for a lunging tackle.

He signed a two-year contract extension at Bramall Lane last summer, though he is yet to feature in a senior game for the Blades.

And he will certainly not be fazed at the prospect of City's bumper home attendances - after playing in front of 70,000 fans in the World Cup.

Starosta was born in Sheffield but qualifies for Poland through his grandfather, who moved to England after the Second World War.

He was called up for Poland for the Under-20 World Cup finals in Canada last June, where they stunned Brazil 1-0 in the opening group game before going out in the second round against eventual champions Argentina.

McCall has watched Starosta's progress during his time as Sheffield United number two and was keen to get him on board. And Starosta, desperate to play more first-team football, was quick to accept when the offer came.

He said: "I worked under Stuart McCall and he knows how to play the game. He likes teams to pass the ball instead of just hoofing it upfield so it's better for me.

"Another factor why I came here is that he rang me personally. He was very interested in me and persuasive.

"I might be in and around the squad at Sheffield United but that's not good for me at my age. I want to get on track and get my career started.

"There's nothing better than waking up every Saturday morning and getting ready for a game. It's the buzz of actually playing for something."

McCall said: "Ben came to see me at the back end of last season to talk about his career. He was in two minds whether to sign a new deal at Sheffield United.

"It was a case of whether he wanted to build a career for himself elsewhere or have that bit of security of the contract at Bramall Lane.

"He signed the deal just prior to the World Cup and then went out there and did ever so well with Poland. It was a good learning experience for him.

"Terry Butcher took him to Brentford at the start of the season and he played nearly every game for them so we know he is used to performing at this level.

"Ben is not coming in to replace Daz at right back but to challenge him and keep him on his toes.

"He hasn't played any football for a month and needs time to settle in so he won't be in the squad for the Bury game. He's also just getting over a little niggle.

"But weather permitting we're hoping to organise a friendly on Wednesday at Sunderland's academy for the lads who need a game and he will play in that."

Nottingham Forest's Leeds-born striker David Brown is also likely to be included in the practice match as he continues his trial.

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