DANNY GRAHAM is looking forward to tackling a "new challenge" after effectively calling time on his Sunderland career.

Graham has joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season, and with his Black Cats contract due to expire in the summer, the 30-year-old has almost certainly played his final game for Sunderland.

He leaves having scored just one goal in 41 appearances since making a £5m move from Swansea City three years ago, and his time on Wearside will be remembered as a considerable disappointment.

He has started two of Sunderland's last three games, but Sam Allardyce has agreed to move him on in order to free up some much-needed space on the club's wage bill.

"It's been a mad 24 hours," said Graham, who was raised in Chester-le-Street and started his career with Middlesbrough's academy. "I was training with Sunderland yesterday morning and then I came down here last night to get things sorted, so I'm delighted to get it done.

"I was aware of the interest in the background and obviously I’ve been playing a bit at Sunderland the last few weeks, so I’m coming here with games under my belt, which is also pleasing.

"For me to get out of Sunderland and have a fresh challenge is superb for me, so I’m delighted to get it done.

"I can’t wait to get going and hopefully we can pull together and move up the table."