Sunderland have announced that they have completed the signing of Kyle Lafferty on a short-term until the end of the season. 

Lafferty had previously been a free-agent since his spell with Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 came to an end, and he'll be hoping to hit the ground running with Phil Parkinson's side.

Sunderland have shown some improvement in recent weeks, and are currently five matches unbeaten, which has seen them move up to ninth in the League One table.

Speaking in an interview with the club's official site after Lafferty's signed for the Black Cats, Phil Parkinson expressed his delight at the Northern Irishman's arrival at the Stadium of Light.

"I’m pleased to welcome Kyle to the club and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

"He’s an experienced striker who provides us with another option in the final third. He adds competition for places at the top end of the pitch, which is something I felt we needed."

It remains to be seen as to whether Lafferty will be available for selection for Sunderland's next game though, as he's likely to be short of match fitness.

Sunderland host league leaders Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday as they look to move into the top-six with a positive result against the Chairboys.

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The Verdict: 

This could be a useful signing for the Black Cats heading into the second-half of this year's campaign.

Lafferty will feel as though he has unfinished business in English football after previous spells with both Norwich and Burnley, but he could be a real asset to Sunderland.

They certainly could benefit from having strength in depth in attacking areas, and Lafferty will feel as though he could challenge Charlie Wyke for his starting spot.