MARC McNulty will rubber-stamp his season-long loan switch from Sheffield United today as City look to end the transfer window with a double raid.

The 23-year-old striker was at Valley Parade yesterday ahead of the 1-0 win over Stoke under-23s in the Checkatrade Trophy.

With Caolan Lavery, another former City target, completing his move across Sheffield from Wednesday, the Blades will now give the loan deal the green light.

Stuart McCall is also hopeful of landing a left-sided winger before the 11pm cut-off point. But a fourth frontline forward has always been the key target.

Assistant boss Kenny Black was playing down talk of McNulty’s imminent arrival after last night’s game.

He said: “His name is being bandied about but you’re always a bit wary of announcing things unless it’s 100 per cent.

“I would imagine something will be happening. But until it’s nailed on you never know what can happen.

“It’s a position where we are a little bit short. With James Hanson’s injury, we’ve got Jordy (Hiwula) and Billy Clarke playing at the top of their form but it’s just right to have another one in there.”

Skipper Stephen Darby made his first outing of the season and played 79 minutes – he had only been scheduled to do one half.

“Stephen being Stephen felt good and actually wanted to stay on for the whole game,” added Black.

“But the medical staff didn’t want to push him too much.

“We’ll have to see how his reaction is now bearing in mind that was his first football of any sorts since the end of last season.”

Vincent Rabiega suffered a thigh strain but City’s mix-and-match side beat Stoke thanks to a Timothee Dieng header.

Black said: “It’s probably a game we could have done without in regards with going to Millwall next and then Gillingham.

“It would be perfect for us if we had everyone fit and available. But with the numbers a bit thin on the ground it was a game we weren’t really looking forward to.

“But you’ve got to play it and it was obviously pleasing to get the victory.”