SUNDERLAND have completed the free signing of Jon McLaughlin, with the Scottish goalkeeper having signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

McLaughlin opted to leave Hearts as a free agent at the end of last season, and has become Sunderland’s second summer signing following the acquisition of Turkish defender Alim Ozturk last week.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper began his career as a non-league player with Harrogate Railway Athletic and Harrogate Town.

He made his professional debut with Bradford City, and made 145 appearances for the Bantams before moving on to Burton Albion.

He joined Hearts last summer on a one-year deal, and impressed sufficiently during his season in the Scottish Premier League to earn a maiden call-up to the senior Scotland national team at the start of this month.

Sunderland manager Jack Ross said: “Jon was in Scotland last season, but he’s spent the rest of his career in England and played in successful teams in this division.

“He’s a really good signing for us because he will security and stability to that position, as well as experience to the team, and play a key role moving forward. He’s a safe pair of hands.”

McLaughlin is expected to start the season as Sunderland’s number one goalkeeper, with Jason Steele having joined Brighton last week and Lee Camp having left Wearside at the end of his loan deal.