York sign Blades star de Girolamo on loan

The Italy Under-19 international, born in Chesterfield, featured for the Blades in their 2-1 win over Hartlepool United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday - his first appearance for the first-team in over 18 months.

De Girolamo, who turned 19 recently, will boost the Minstermen’s attacking options for Saturday’s League Two trip to Newport where he could make his debut.

Boss Nigel Worthington said: “He is a young player who has come through Sheffield United’s ranks and is a good young talent.

“He had a nasty injury about 18 months ago which set him back. But we have watched him on a few occasions this year and he played against us in the second-half in a pre-season game and is neat and tidy and can create things and open things up for other people.”

Qualifying to represent Italy through his father, Girolamo has made six appearances for Italy U18s, scoring three times.

De Girolamo, brought to York attention through ex-Blade Richard Cresswell, made three substitute appearances for the South Yorkshire club under Danny Wilson in 2012-13.

But De Girolamo suffered a serious knee injury playing for Italy late that season and didn’t feature last term.