JIMMY Dunne is returning to League One after securing a season-long loan with Fleetwood Town.

The Clarets' defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland, helping the Black Cats to reach the League One play-off final at Wembley - where they were beaten by Charlton Athletic.

After returning to Turf Moor for the opening weeks of the current Premier League campaign, Dunne has now completed a temporary switch to the Highbury Stadium for the chance to gain further first-team experience.

"It's been good to be back and to learn from some top-class defenders," said Dunne.

"But it's a good time to go out again and gain some further experience at first-team level.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge at Fleetwood and hopefully I can help them keep progressing in League One."

The transfer window for League One and Two clubs closed at 5pm on Monday, 2 September and Dunne will stay with Fleetwood – managed by former Burnley midfielder Joey Barton – until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has previously been on loan at Hearts, Accrington Stanley and Barrow and will now get the opportunity to add to his 71 senior appearances with a Fleetwood side that he faced as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 pre-season friendly win for the Clarets in July.

Fleetwood have won three of their first six league games this season and currently sit ninth in the table.

Ex-Claret and Fleetwood boss Barton said: "We are really pleased to boost our defensive ranks with the signing of Jimmy on loan for the season.

"Despite his young age, he has a lot of experience and knows the division having spent time at Sunderland last season.

"We're sure he will add to what is a really exciting squad, and we look forward to seeing his qualities in a Fleetwood Town shirt."