Made his League debut for the Terriers as a substitute in a 1-0 home defeat by Burnley. Made four substitute appearances in total for the club.

Joined Third Division Darlington, also on loan, at the beginning of November 2000, playing eight games and netting his first ever goal in a 6-1 FA Cup win over AFC Sudbury.

His first ever League goal came two weeks later in a 2-1 win over Mansfield Town.

Kyle's third loan spell of the season came in January 2001 when he switched to Rochdale. playing six times.

Earned his Sunderland debut towards the end of that season in a 1-0 win at Southampton, and continued to gain first team experience in the following campaign.

He caught the eye of new Scotland boss Berti Vogts, who was eager to find young talent, and he made his full international debut in a 4-1 defeat in South Korea in May 2002. Also faced South Africa on that tour of south east Asia.