SUNDERLAND have finally completed the signing of Scottish midfielder James McFadden on a three-month contract.

After weeks of negotiations and a successful trial the 29-year-old has committed to the Black Cats and be given a chance to shine.

He has been looking for a club since becoming a free agent when leaving Everton in the summer following a season with the Merseyside club.

McFadden had been on trial north of the border when the opportunity to shine at Sunderland came along.

He began his professional career in Scotland with Motherwell in 2000, before enjoying his first spell with Everton between 2003-08, making over 100 appearances for the club and netting 11 times.

After moving to Birmingham City in 2008, where spent three seasons, he returned to Goodison Park last season.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill suggested yesterday that McFadden is unlikely to figure in the squad for Saturday's trip to Stoke City.