JORDAN Pickford will train with his new City team-mates for the first time today – and could be thrown straight into match action.

The England under-19 goalkeeper yesterday joined on loan for the season from Sunderland, where he recently signed a new four-year contract.

Phil Parkinson may consider involving him in tonight's friendly at Ossett Town, which will now have a more senior flavour after the planned trip to Farsley was axed because of the state of the Throstle Nest pitch.

Pickford, 20, played 31 games last season on loan at Burton and Carlisle, where he kept a clean sheet on his debut against City in February.

Parkinson said: "We looked at Jordan last year and he's a good young goalkeeper. We needed to get one signed up and we're pleased to get him.

"Obviously we will need another one and we'll be looking at that. He's going to be training with us today and then we'll decide about Ossett."

Pickford's arrival will throw a question mark over Jon McLaughlin, who has spent pre-season with the club despite rejecting their initial contract offer.

James Meredith, Raffaele De Vita, Matt Taylor and Jason Kennedy are among those set to feature against Ossett in a game that was originally planned for the youth team.

City were concerned about Farsley's pitch before they went to Ireland after a check from Valley Parade groundsman Mick Doyle. They pulled out yesterday after another visit showed no sign of improvement.

Parkinson said: "We saw there were areas with divots that could be dangerous. It was unfit to play on.

"We even sent our groundsman up there to advise them on what needed to be done while we were away. But a member of the coaching staff had a look yesterday and nothing had been done.

"We've been to look at the Ossett Town pitch and it is in a much better condition."

Meanwhile, City will not be pursuing an interest in former QPR striker Angelo Balanta, who failed to impress after playing in all three of their friendlies.

The Colombian is now trying his luck with Southend and is likely to feature in a friendly against Colchester today.