SUNDERLAND yesterday snapped up former Republic of Ireland international Phil Babb on a Bosman free transfer from Sporting Lisbon.

And the 31-year-old central defender, who has signed a three-year contract, revealed he jumped at the chance of returning to Premiership football with a club like Sunderland which, he believes, should be competing regularly in Europe.

Babb, who helped Sporting Lisbon to a League and Cup double last season, when he made 43 appearances, turned down the offer of a new three-year contract to stay in Portugal because he yearned to be back in England.

He said: "Things have moved pretty rapidly - when Sunderland came in for me my response was almost instant because everything felt right.

"Sporting Lisbon are a fantastic club but the lure of the Premiership was far too strong. I just wish the new season was starting tomorrow."

London-born Babb, who cost a club-record £3.6m when he moved from Coventry City to Liverpool in September 1994, admitted he had been impressed in his talks with Sunderland manager Peter Reid, who is determined to bring in more quality signings during the summer.

Babb, who is a close friend of Jason McAteer, said: "I've followed Sunderland's progress and when I found out about their interest in me there was not much doubt in my mind.

"Obviously last season was very disappointing. Because of the size of the club and their fans Sunderland deserve to be playing European football at least and that's what I'll be aiming for.

"I think the club deserves to be one of the top eight clubs in the country without a doubt."

He added: "I spoke to Peter Reid yesterday and we had a long chat about the players he is looking to bring in to the club this summer - he is looking to turn the club round.

"I think the signings coming to the club will put it back into good stead and that sort of desire and passion will be good for my game as well. There are quality players in the team already and I think things can only get better."

Babb, who started his career at Millwall before moving on to Bradford City, believes that his career has benefited immensely from his two years with Sporting Lisbon.

He said: "We won the double -- it is a fantastic club with great fans and it was a great experience for me to play alongside quality players. I think I have come back a better player."

And Babb feels that the Premiership has improved since he played there with Liverpool.

"It will be sad to leave Sporting Lisbon but at the same time it will be great to be playing in the Premiership again. I have missed the action - it is a great league to play in."

Babb said he would like to win back his place in the Republic of Ireland side, but refused to get drawn into the Roy Keane controversy admitting: "I don't think it is for me to comment. Everyone has their opinion on it and I have my own but I will keep them to myself.

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