Everton coach reveals the type of player Sunderland have signed in Morgan Feeney

Feeney has joined the Black Cats on a short-term deal after a successful trial period at the Stadium of Light, the centre-back has represented England U19s and joins after leaving Everton earlier this summer.

And his former coach Unsworth has described Feeney as a ‘top player, a top professional and a leader’.

The former Everton Under-23 skipper is also keen to make a big impression on Wearside.

Unsworth said: “He phoned me [on Friday] night and we had a lovely conversation.

"I’m thrilled, because I spoke to Phil Parkinson a week or two ago and he asked me about him and I couldn’t have sung his praises any more. It was like I was his agent!

"I’m glad Phil has decided to take him because he’s not just a wonderful player, he’s a wonderful man.

"He’s been a wonderful player and skipper for me over the past couple of years.

"I’m sure, given the right opportunities, Morgan will do very well there.

"Sunderland are getting a top player, a top professional, and they’re getting a leader.

"It’s a wonderful club, wonderful history, great fanbase. A proper club. I’ll be a Sunderland fan this year!"

Parkinson has been keen to strengthen his defensive options, having just three senior options in Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan and Jordan Willis and having played a 3-4-3 system for much of his time on Wearside.

Feeney will bring added competition to the Sunderland defensive options, with academy graduate Brandon Taylor another option having trained with the first team this summer.

“Morgan has been training with us for a few weeks and he’s done very well,” said Parkinson.

"He’s a player with excellent pedigree having been in and around the England Under-19 set-up, and he will bring added competition to the defence.”

Sunderland, who have so far beaten Gateshead and Carlisle United, play their final friendly of pre-season on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light, Harrogate Town the visitors for the behind-closed-doors game.

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