PLYMOUTH Argyle's on-loan defender Craig Cathcart is viewed as a 'hot prospect' by Premier League champions Manchester United.

So says Mark Sullivan, who is a reporter/presenter for United's own television channel, MUTV.

Sullivan has visited Home Park to film a feature on the progress made by Cathcart since he was signed on loan by Argyle in August.

He interviewed the 19-year-old centre-back about his time with the Pilgrims, as well as assistant manager Kevin Summerfield and goalkeeper Romain Larrieu.

For 32-year-old Sullivan it meant a return to his home city, having been born at the old Freedom Fields Hospital and brought up in Plympton.

Cathcart has been in fine form recently, winning The Herald's Argyle player-of-the-month award for October, and that has not gone un-noticed at Old Trafford.

Former Argyle defender Warren Joyce, United's reserve team assistant manager, will watch the Northern Ireland under-21 international in action for the Pilgrims in the near future.

Sullivan said: "Sir Alex Ferguson will always keep tabs on all of his loan players. He's really good like that.

"Even if they are away on a season-long loan, the manager always keeps informed on how everybody is doing.

"I know from what the coaching staff and people say in Manchester that they all feel Craig has got a really bright future in the game.

"He's definitely a hot prospect, so tabs will always be kept on him."

Argyle have developed close links with United over the past couple of seasons.

Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was signed from the current European champions in an initial £200,000 transfer in July 2006, shortly after Ian Holloway was appointed Argyle manager.

Then, last season, United winger Lee Martin spent three months on loan to Argyle.

Sullivan said: "United are delighted Craig is down here and doing well.

"I know there have been good links with Argyle in recent seasons, with Sylvan and Lee Martin.

"It's nice for United to have a club where they can send someone and trust he will be looked after in the right way and given a chance.

"I think that is what Craig has got here at Argyle."

Cathcart is also working with another experienced Scottish boss in Paul Sturrock, who is a family friend of Ferguson.

Sullivan said: "I haven't met Paul Sturrock but I believe he's a good man-manager and I think Craig should develop well here."

Cathcart's loan to Argyle takes him through until January, when Sturrock is expected to try to extend it for the rest of the season.

Argyle have cut their admission prices for the Sky-televised visit of Cardiff City on Saturday (12.45pm).

It will cost £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s and under-23s and £5 for under-18s. There will be no surcharge for tickets bought on the day.

The Herald Family Area is in block one of the Devonport End. Tickets for two adults and two under 18s (a 4-Up Ticket) cost £40, while for one adult and one under 18 (a Tandem ticket) it is £20. Contact the Argyle box office at Home Park (telephone 0845 338 7232) for further information.

Top scorer Paul Gallagher and midfielder Luke Summerfield will be at Argyle's Centre Spot shop in Drake Circus tomorrow.

They will be there between 6pm and 8pm, ready to sign autographs and pose for pictures with supporters.

More Argyle stars will be visiting the Centre Spot every Thursday night in the build up to Christmas.