Keane adds Healy to strike force

SOCCER:SUNDERLAND HAVE followed up the signing of Djibril Cisse with the capture of the Fulham striker David Healy for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old has moved to the Stadium of Light on a three-year deal and becomes manager Roy Keane's sixth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Cisse, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, Steed Malbranque and El-Hadji Diouf.

The Northern Ireland international will be looking to kick-start his career after scoring just four Premier League goals in one season at Craven Cottage following his €1.9-million move from Leeds.

Keane underlined Healy's top-level experience and international scoring record as one of the main reasons behind the striker's arrival in the north-east of England.

The Corkman told the club's website: "David will be a good signing for us. He has lots of experience at the top level and his international record is phenomenal."

Keane continued: "He scored a few goals for Fulham last season - one of them was a well-taken strike against us at Craven Cottage - and he is another signing who will increase competition for places."

Healy began his career at Manchester United alongside Keane but moved to Preston in 2001 following a successful loan spell.

He then moved on to Leeds in 2004 before his switch to Fulham last summer.

While his league scoring record over the last couple of seasons has been fitful, the Downpatrick forward has found great success at international level, scoring 34 goals in 64 games for Northern Ireland.

Healy was also the leading scorer in qualification for Euro 2008 and appeared on Wednesday in the 0-0 friendly with Scotland - but missed a penalty that would have earned victory for his side.

Healy revealed he was looking forward to being reunited with Keane: "I know Roy Keane from my Manchester United days and it's a privilege to join him at Sunderland.

"I'm well aware of the passion of the Sunderland fans, having played at the Stadium of Light a few times, and I can't wait to get going. It's an exciting time for me."

Healy's arrival means Keane has bought three new strikers as the team look to improve on their 15th-placed finish of last season.

Central defender Anton Ferdinand is also expected to join Sunderland from West Ham.

Sunderland also confirmed the signing of France striker Cisse on a season-long loan from Marseille.

The 27-year-old has joined the club with a view to a permanent deal.

Keane underlined the importance to Sunderland of Cisse's experience: "The signing of Djibril shows how far this club have moved on since the end of last season.

"His experience will bring a lot to the squad and he will hopefully add some goals to the side. He is known for scoring them as well as creating them."

Cisse spent two years at Anfield during which he scored 24 goals following his €17.6-million switch from Auxerre, where he played alongside fellow new Sunderland recruit Tainio.

He moved to Marseille, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in 2007.