SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of centre-half Jimmy Dunne on a season-long loan from Burnley.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international penned his temporary deal this afternoon and is available to make his debut in Saturday's League One home game with Luton Town.

Born in Dundalk, Dunne is a graduate from Manchester United’s highly-acclaimed academy in Belfast.

In 2016, aged 18, he joined Burnley, and during his time at Turf Moor he has enjoyed successful loan spells at Barrow and Accrington Stanley.

His first call-up for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 came during his time at the Wham Stadium, and he spent the first half of the current campaign on loan at Scottish side Hearts.

Dunne said: "I’m very excited to be here. I’m looking to step up and keep developing my game, so this is a good place for me to do that.   

"The lads here have been on a good run and I’ve been lucky to be in a team where we’ve been winning as well, so long may both continue.

"I didn’t have anything to think about, there were 46,000 people here on Boxing Day and that just grabs you. It's a massive club and it was a no-brainer for me."