Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer has today completed his move to Sunderland from Premiership rivals Blackburn.
The 30-year-old is eligible to play for his new side in Monday's north east derby against Middlesbrough after agreeing to the move this afternoon.
McAteer had fallen out of favour at Ewood Park, only featuring briefly on their return to the Premiership, and boss Graeme Souness agreed to allow him to leave for an undisclosed fee.
Black Cats boss Peter Reid revealed he has been tracking the wing-back for many seasons and was delighted to have finally got his man.
"I've been a big fan of Jason's since he was at Bolton and I was Manchester City boss," he told the club's official website, www.safc.com.
"He's a player I rate very highly and he'll have no problem settling in here."
McAteer is just relieved to have ended the doubts surrounding his future.
He said: "It's a wonderful setting to play your football and it's well known how good the Sunderland fans are.
"It's been frustrating for me because I've known of Sunderland's interest for a while. I'm glad it's finally gone through. "A number of clubs were interested but I wanted to come here. I'm looking forward to pulling on the shirt and playing." -PA