The Kyle Lafferty insight that will excite Sunderland fans - as he become the Black Cats' first January signing

Here’s an in-depth look at the man who is became Phil Parkinson’s first signing:

Key information

Age - 32 years old

Nationality - Northern Ireland

Position - Centre forward

What experience does he have?

The 32-year-old has a wealth of experience garnered over a career playing for clubs across Europe having played in Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy.

The Northern Irishman has made 156 appearances in the Scottish Premiership with Hearts and Rangers, scoring 46 goals in the league.

Lafferty has also played in European competition with Rangers, making eight appearances in the UEFA Champions League and nine in the Europa League.

He has plenty of Championship experience as well, playing 118 games for Norwich, Birmingham City and Burnley, where he made his debut.

He is a Northern Ireland international and has played 75 games for his country, scoring 20 goals and making three appearances at Euro 2016 in France.

How has he fared overseas?

He spent a successful year at Italian club Palermo in the 2013/14 season where he helped get the club promoted to Serie A.

He scored 12 goals in all competitions, more than his teammates, current Juventus star Paulo Dybala and future Italian international Andrea Belotti, as well as winning the Fans’ Player of the Season.

Lafferty was surprisingly sold the following summer, with Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini describing him as “an out-of-control womaniser, an Irishman without rules.”

What does the football world say about him?

His manager at Sarpsborg Geir Bakke was full of praise for his frontman, saying: “He's a clever player and he understands football.

“He's good at finding space behind the opponent and in between them and he gives something to his team-mates out there with his charisma and his passion for the play,”

What did Parkinson have to say?

The Sunderland chief said: “He’s an experienced striker who provides us with another option in the final third. He adds competition for places at the top end of the pitch, which is something I felt we needed”