SUNDERLAND have signed West Brom goalkeeper Joe Murphy as back-up to Kelvin Davis ahead of the new Premiership season.

With no timescale set on Mart Poom's return to full fitness after missing the final few months of last season with a knee problem, manager Mick McCarthy has added the Baggies shot-stopper to his ranks.

McCarthy's only other alternative would have been to use rising teenage talent Ben Alnwick on a regular basis and has opted for a little more experience.

Murphy has arrived at the Stadium of Light on a season long loan initially with a view to seeing how he performs.

The 24-year-old spent time on loan at Walsall last season and said: "I am very excited about the move. I didn't manage to force my way into Bryan Robson's plans at West Brom, but once I had an offer on the table from Sunderland, I didn't need to think about it.

''Sunderland are a huge club with a passionate set of fans and although I will have some stern competition from the other goalkeepers here, I know the experience will make me a better player.

''I really enjoyed getting some first-team football under my belt at Walsall last season, hopefully I can force my way into Mick McCarthy's ideas once the season gets under way.''

Chris Kirkland's arrival at The Hawthorns this summer left Murphy as third-choice and McCarthy has signed a player he knows all about from his time in charge of the Republic of Ireland.

Murphy had an unsuccessful trial with Oldham last month when he returned to West Brom but has gone one better by sealing a deal to Wearside.

The two-times Irish international has also been linked with a move to Tottenham this summer.

Sunderland's latest signing, Anthony Le Tallec, has admitted he may find life a little tougher to come to terms with at Sunderland because of the language barrier.

Le Tallec, unlike at Liverpool, is the only Frenchman on the Black Cats' playing staff but hopes that will help rather than hinder his chances of becoming a hit in the North-East.

And he is aiming to ensure he spends more time in the first team than in the reserves during his time working under McCarthy.

"It's difficult this year because there are a lot of English people, no French, and that makes it more difficult," he said. "But maybe it will be good for me in terms of learning the language. I didn't play a lot of games last season but I did play against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final.

"At St Etienne I only started five games before I got injured. I only played about 15 games last season. This season I have to play more for my confidence. It would be good for me."

The 22-year-old is more than capable of playing across the midfield or as an out-and-out striker. He added: "My best position is behind one or two strikers but I can play on the right or wherever."

l Sunderland will sport a new black away strip for the 2005/06 Premiership season, as chosen by fans on the club's official website, safc.com. The new kit will be launched tomorrow at the Stadium of Light and The Northern Echo will be giving readers a chance to win a copy in tomorrow's paper.