Phil Parkinson reacts after making Kyle Lafferty his first Sunderland signing

The 32-year-old has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Parkinson says he is ‘really looking forward’ to working with the striker, who has played for the likes of Hearts, Rangers and Burnley.

“I’m pleased to welcome Kyle to the club and I’m really looking working with him,” Parkinson 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.”

As well as his experience at big clubs, the Black Cats boss is impressed with Lafferty’s exceptional Northern Ireland record.

Lafferty has 20 goals from 73 caps for his country, and has been Michael O’Neill’s go-to option during a remarkably successful period.

Parkinson wanted extra competition for Charlie Wyke and is likely to try and recruit another forward option before the window shuts.