Dundee United tried to sign Sunderland's Roy O'Donovan on loan before the transfer window shut but were thwarted by red tape.

The former Cork City forward was signed by Roy Keane just three weeks ago and has made one Premiership appearance from the bench.

United manager Craig Levein was desperate to add the 22-year-old to his squad on Friday night but was denied as O'Donovan has already played for two clubs this season.

"I would have taken him in a minute," said Levein of the Irish under-21 and 'B' international who faces a battle for game-time at the Stadium of Light.

"We thought the loan deal was done, then it became clear this regulation would come into play.

"He was at Cork before joining Sunderland and we thought, with the Irish season being different to ours, that it would be OK, but it's not to be."