Aaron Connolly signs for Sunderland on a one-year deal

“I feel very privileged to sign for Sunderland. I have only been up here for a short while, but it’s easy to see what this club means to people and the atmosphere on Saturday showed that," he said.

FRESH START: Aaron Connolly has joined Sunderland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sunderland have announced the signing of striker Aaron Connolly on a one-year deal.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived on Wearside earlier this week and has signed for the rest of the Championship season, having spent last season at Hull City where he scored eight goals in 13 league starts.

“I feel very privileged to sign for Sunderland. I have only been up here for a short while, but it’s easy to see what this club means to people and the atmosphere on Saturday showed that," he told the club's official website.

"I want to represent that in the right way and pay back the faith the club has placed in me by playing well and doing what I love more than anything, which is scoring goals.

"I’m ready to move forward with my career after facing some challenges in recent times and I fully understand the huge opportunity I have ahead of me.”

Manager Kristjaan Speakman added: “Aaron needs an opportunity to re-establish himself and to reset the perception of him as a professional athlete.

"It wasn’t long ago that he was scoring goals in the Premier League and playing for his national team, but he has suffered some setbacks.

"We all handle challenges differently and when it comes to responding, sometimes we don’t get it right immediately.

"At Sunderland, he’ll have the environment and support to perform and an opportunity to showcase his ability.

"It’s an important 17-game period following the next international break and we believe Aaron can add value to our squad during that period.

"We look forward to helping him settle and supporting him in that process.”