Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Jason Steele, arriving at the club on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old made 18 appearances for the Black Cats last season and will act as competition for current Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Steele began his career at Middlesborough going on to make 142 appearances for the Riverside team before making a permanent move slightly further south to Blackburn Rovers.

“It was tough at Sunderland," Steele told Brighton's official website.

"The club is going through a tough period at the minute, and I didn’t play anywhere near as much as I wanted to.

“But you don’t use it for experience - in terms of football experience - you use it as a life experience and how to deal with adversity.

“You have to become a better and stronger person, and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.”

The verdict

Steele's departure leaves a real problem for Sunderland with only 31-year-old Robbin Ruiter left between the sticks.

With the Black Cats eager to put last season's embarrassing relegation behind them with an immediate return to the Championship it is important that they fill this role quickly.

But with no rumoured arrivals it looks like it could be a nervy few weeks as fans wait to see who will be signed to fill the void left by Steele's departure.

It may not look the strongest, but underestimate League One at your peril, Sunderland.