David Moyes reveals what he expects from new Sunderland signing Steven Pienaar

Sunderland have signed the 34-year-old midfielder on a one-year deal with Pienaar a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season.

The South African, who has spent the past three weeks on trial at the Academy of Light, made almost 200 appearances for the Toffees over two spells.

Sunderland's midfield options have been decimated in recent weeks, with Seb Larsson (knee injury), Jan Kirchhoff (hamstring strain) and Lee Cattermole (hernia) all ruled out.

Pienaar has previously played under Moyes at Goodison Park and the Sunderland boss hopes he can help get the best out of Patrick van Aanholt down the left flank.

"Steven is someone who will help us keep the ball better," said Moyes.

"He has been a great player and he made Leighton Baines when he was at Everton and will do a lot for Pat, help him join in, get forward and get crosses in.

"If he does that job then he will be very good for Pat.

"He also gives us a little bit of experience, we have just lost a few players for a bit of time.

"He is only here on a one-year contract and we will give him every opportunity to show if he is as good as he was in his early days.

"And if he is not, then we will use him for his experiences at different times."

Pienaar is reunited with Moyes, the manager who brought him to England in 2007 from Borussia Dortmund.

After beginning his career with Ajax Cape Town in his homeland, Pienaar joined Ajax in Holland, where he won six domestic trophies, including two Eredivisie titles.

From there he went on to join Dortmund before moving to the Blues, whilst he has also had a spell at Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Goodison Park.