KRISTJAAN Speakman believes Chris Mepham will prove to be a useful addition on and off the pitch for Sunderland.

The Wales international has swapped Bournemouth for Wearside after signing a season-long loan deal.

Sporting director Speakman said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to Sunderland. This is an area we wanted to strengthen before the deadline and Chris has shown that he can play at this level and beyond.

"He has demonstrated an ability to perform consistently throughout his career and we are confident he will take this move in his stride. In addition to the defensive qualities he will bring to our defence, he will also add experience.

"This will be invaluable on the field and in the dressing room.”

Mepham will give Regis Le Bris another option at centre-half, with Nectar Triantis having rejoined Hibs on loan earlier in the day.

Speakman said: "Nectar thoroughly enjoyed his time at Hibernian last season, and it played an important role in his continued development. Upon returning to Easter Road, his challenge is to now become a leading player in their team.

"He will be entering a familiar environment, and we hope this will allow him to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season ahead of a return to Sunderland next summer to challenge for a place in our team.”