Staunton joins Coventry City

Aston Villa have announced defender Steve Staunton has moved to First Division Coventry on a free transfer.

The former Republic of Ireland international has signed a two-year deal at Highfield Road and goes straight into the Sky Blues’ squad for tomorrow’s game against Walsall.

Capped 102 times by his country, Staunton’s arrival at City comes at a time when Richard Shaw and Dean Gordon are missing for Gary McAllister’s side.

The 34-year-old made 350 appearances for Villa – the majority coming in his first spell between 1991 and 1998.