Sunderland double swoop for Liverpool and Celtic stars

New Sunderland signings midfielder Lucy Staniforth and defender Kylla Sjoman

The duo have penned two year deals at the club and will remain on Wearside until 2017.

Signed from Liverpool Ladies, 23-year-old Staniforth returns to Wearside having made her first debut in red and white at the age of just 16.

In her debut season, Staniforth was instrumental in helping Sunderland win the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division as well as reaching the 2009 FA Women’s Cup Final.

And she is hoping to make the same impact this time round.

Staniforth said: "It is great to come back and see how professional the set-up has become.

"It's an opportunity I'm really looking forward to and I hope that I can help the squad build on Sunderland’s success last season."

Also joining Carlton Fairweather’s side is Canadian International, Sjoman who has signed from Scottish Women’s Premier League side Celtic LFC.

The 28-year-old defender moves to Wearside with a wealth of experience.

The versatile left-sided player has dual nationality with Canada and Finland and brings with her experience of from her time playing in America, Germany and England.

Comfortable at left-back, centre-back or in midfield, she is a strong, athletic player and is regarded as a free-kick specialist.

Sjoman, who experienced the Women’s Super League when it was in its infancy with Doncaster Rovers’ Belles, said: "It is really exciting to be back playing in the FA WSL.

"The set up here at Sunderland is the most professional environment I have experienced since coming overseas and the players and staff have made it an easy transition for me.

"Obviously the club had a lot of success last year, so we are looking forward to putting in the work and seeing what we can accomplish this year."

Head coach Carlton Fairweather was delighted to sign the pair and he hopes their experience can help Sunderland Ladies as they prepare for the 2016 FA WSL 1 season.

Fairweather said: "They are two players with fantastic experience at the very top level of the game and will bring so much to our squad in terms of competition and quality."