Jon McLaughlin and Steven Gerrard react as Sunderland goalkeeper joins Rangers

McLaughlin rejected the contract offer from Sunderland after two successful seasons on Wearside.

He will compete with fellow Scottish international Allan McGregor for the number one shirt at Ibrox, and will compete in Europe next season.

“It’s a very proud moment for myself and for the family,” McLaughlin said.

“It is great to be back up here in Scotland and we are very proud to have made the deal happen and I am really looking forward to now getting back to football and starting my next chapter here with an amazing football club.

“Knowing the club already, and what a massive club it is and what a huge opportunity it could be, and speaking with the manager and his staff, and knowing the vision and the direction they have got, and what they are trying to achieve here, and the opportunity to be a part of that and hopefully be a part of something special here was what sold it to me.”

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard said that the ‘vastly experienced’ McLaughlin would ‘thrive’ on the pressure of playing for Rangers.

“Jon is a vastly experienced professional who will add strength and depth to our squad,” he said.

“He is here to compete for the number one shirt and will add much needed competition for places. He was involved in playoffs with Sunderland and will thrive on the pressurised environment at Ibrox.

“His experience in the SPFL will stand by him as he continues to fight for a place in the Scotland squad.”

Sporting Director Ross Wilson added: ”Jon joins Rangers with excellent experience. For the past seven seasons he has been present in almost every game, displaying a huge consistency of performance that is so important for a Rangers goalkeeper.

“He will provide strong competition to the outstanding Allan McGregor and we know that Jon’s character, personality and professionalism will be important for the group for at least the next two years.”