RORY DELAP has revealed he sought advice from a Sunderland goalscoring legend before agreeing to sign a deal at the Stadium of Light.

The 29-year-old was a surprise deadline day addition to the Black Cats squad and, before completing his move, asked a few former players for their views.

Among those was his former team-mate at Southampton, Kevin Phillips, who moved from St Mary's to Aston Villa last summer, and his glowing report of the life on Wearside was key to the move.

"This is a massive opportunity for me," said the Republic of Ireland international, who won the first of his 11 caps under Mick McCarthy. "You don't get a chance to come to a club like this too often.

"I spoke to a couple of people who've played here and Kevin (Phillips) was one of them. He said it was a great place to play football and that I'd love it up here."

Despite nursing an Achilles injury Delap is hoping to make his Black Cats debut against West Ham this weekend.

His versatility was a major reason for McCarthy's decision to sign the player, who started out as an attacking midfielder at his first club, Carlisle.

He has spent much of this season playing at right back for Southampton and admitted he is keen to get back to his preferred role.

"I started as an attacking midfielder, that's what I have always seen myself as and it's where I have always preferred to play," said Delap, who switched from Derby to the south coast in a £4m deal in 2001.

"I found myself switched to right-back at Southampton because of injuries but it isn't my favourite role. I don't know what the gaffer (McCarthy) has in mind for me here, we will just have to wait and see.

"As long as I'm playing, I'm not too bothered where it is and I will be happy just to get a game.

"First and foremost I have to force my way into the team and, when I do get my chance, I have to make sure I take it."

After the lamentable 3-0 home defeat to near neighbours Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, McCarthy will be keen to get Delap into his side as soon as possible.

Despite his wishes to return to midfield, the Sutton Coldfield-born free signing could find himself in his less-preferred right-back role with Sunderland leaking goals at an unhealthy rate.

McCarthy hauled off Danny Collins after just half an hour on Tuesday night and could switch Justin Hoyte to the left of defence.

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