SUNDERLAND have signed French defender Anthony Reveillere on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Reveillere, a 34-year-old former France international, has joined the Black Cats as a free agent and will wear the vacant number 15 shirt.

The full-back has been training with Sunderland's squad for more than a week, and will be availabnle for Saturday's home game with Arsenal provided his international clearance from the Italian FA is received in time.

He has been signed to provide cover for Billy Jones and Santiago Vergini, who have swapped the right-back duties between them so far this season.

Reveillere began his professional career at French side Rennes, making over 100 appearances before moving to Lyon, where he spent ten years gaining a wealth of UEFA Champions League and Europa League experience.

He made almost 300 appearances for Lyon, winning seven trophies including five Ligue 1 titles. He was also selected by France for the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships.

The defender spent last season with Serie A side Napoli, making 18 appearances and helping the Naples club to a Coppa Italia win, before his contract came to an end in the summer.