SUNDERLAND have kicked off their summer recruitment drive with the signing of free agent Conor McLaughlin.

The 27-year-old right-back has joined the Black Cats on a two-year deal, having been released from Championship club Millwall at the end of last season.

A Northern Ireland international with 34 senior caps, McLaughlin has made more than 230 senior appearances in English football.

He began his career at Preston before joining Fleetwood Town in 2012, and went on to make more than 160 appearances in five years at Highbury Stadium.

He joined Millwall on a two-year deal in 2017, but struggled to make much of an impression under Neil Harris last season.

"I am delighted to be able to bring Conor to the club," said Sunderland boss Jack Ross. "He brings quality and experience to a position that was of high priority for us to have options in. I look forward to working with him over the course of the season."

Ross was determined to strengthen his options at right-back, with Adam Matthews having left when his contract expired earlier this summer.

Luke O’Nien was Sunderland’s first-choice right-back for most of last season despite having arrived at the club as a central midfielder, but Ross was keen to acquire a natural alternative for the role.

McLaughlin fits that bill, and will hope to push his claims for a first-team starting spot during the forthcoming pre-season programme.