JOHN HARTSON thinks Sunderland new-boy Adam Matthews has only moved to Sunderland because he was not guaranteed first team football at Celtic.

Hartson, the former Bhoys striker, is surprised by his fellow Welshman’s decision to swap Parkhead and Champions League football for the Stadium of Light where the aims are for a top ten finish.

Nevertheless Matthews, who could make his first appearance for the Black Cats against Darlington on Thursday night, has chosen that route and Dick Advocaat fully intends to have him attacking down the right flank in a red and white shirt.

Hartson said: “It’s a brave decision, but I’m sure it’s all about getting regular football. I think if he’s not promised that at Celtic and he’s guaranteed to play more at Sunderland, then I can understand.”

Matthews, 23, moved to Sunderland on Friday in a deal worth £2m after Advocaat turned his attention to him after failing to lure Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal or Sam Byram from Leeds.

The former Cardiff defender won a string of domestic honours during his four years in Glasgow but the challenge of proving himself south of the border in the Premier League proved too tempting.

And the cost of signing Matthews does not affect Advocaat’s transfer budget by any great significance – and Sunderland could soon recoup the £2m by offloading Liam Bridcutt.

The £2.5m buy from Brighton 18 months ago has struggled to have the sort of impact Gus Poyet had envisaged when he brought him in and now Derby County are interested in taking him back in to the Championship.

Paul Clement, who many expected to take charge at Sunderland this summer, has been busy since taking over the Rams and he wants Bridcutt to become his eighth signing provided finances allow it.