SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter.

The former Utrecht shot-stopper has signed a two-year deal and was a free agent after leaving that club at the end of last season.

He joins following a successful trial, during which he started and impressed in games against Bradford City and Scunthorpe United.

Ruiter will now challenge Jason Steele, who joined from Blackburn for £500,000, for the shirt after the departures of Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone.

Speaking to the club website, after passing his medical, he said: “I’m very pleased to be here because I had a great couple of days training with the team and played some good games, so I really wanted to sign and pleased I’m finally a Sunderland player.

“From the moment I stepped through the door everything was so professional. It’s such a big club and for me it was always a dream to play in England, so if a club like Sunderland comes and asks if you want to sign it’s a big chance.”

The 30-year-old could be eligible for Friday night’s season opener against Derby County, subject to international clearance being received. Simon Grayson, however, suggested the game could too soon for him anyway having missed the last couple of friendlies.