Phil Parkinson reacts after making Josh Scowen Sunderland's third January signing

Scowen becomes Sunderland’s third signing of the January window, after the arrivals of the Kyle Lafferty and Bailey Wright.

The midfielder joins on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

Central midfield has been one of Phil Parkinson’s key priorities for the window, after Dylan McGeouch left to join Aberdeen.

Parkinson has been heavily reliant on Max Power and George Dobson, and was concerned about the effects of possible injuries or suspension.

Grant Leadbitter had found his playing time reduced of late, while the manager is still weighing up whether or not to send Ethan Robson back out on loan.

“I’m delighted to welcome Josh to the club,” Parkinson said.

“We identified him early in the window and it took a while to get the deal over the line, as we were competing with several other clubs for his signature. We have been patient, and the chairman and the board have worked hard to finalise a deal this afternoon.

“Josh has a promotion from League One on his cv and a lot of Championship experience. He can play in a number of different roles and he will bring real quality to the squad, especially in that midfield area.”

Scowen began his professional career at Wycombe Wanderers - where he played alongside Luke O’Nien - before joining Barnsley in 2014.

He helped the Tykes to promotion from League One in his second season at the club and later went on to join QPR.

The midfielder has made 103 appearances during his spell at Loftus Road, 20 of which have come this season.

Recent weeks, however, have seen the 26-year-old mainly used from the bench - prompting Sunderland to up their interest.

Scowen said he was ‘over the moon’.

“I’m over the moon to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I just want to show the gaffer what I can do and get in the team, so that I can help the club keep winning games. I feel fit and I’m raring to go.”