McFadden signs three-month contract with Sunderland

Scotland international footballer James McFadden has signed a short-term deal with Sunderland.

The 29-year-old has been a free agent since his contract with Everton expired, and the striker has now agreed a three-month contract with the Black Cats.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill said: "It's a short contract, and I think it suits all parties.

"He prefers it that way and I think that's something we would want ourselves because it gives him an opportunity to break into the side.

"And I'm quite sure that if he doesn't do in that period of time, he probably wouldn't want to be hanging around.

"But he's getting fitter by the day. That's good news. And I'm hoping that during the course of the next couple of months - which will be pretty hectic for us considering the side of the squad - and I'm hoping that he will be able to play a part."

McFadden will hope to rekindle some of the form seen earlier in his career which earned him 48 senior caps for Scotland.

McFadden Profile

DOB: 14 Apr 1983 (age 29)

Place of birth: Glasgow

Position: Forward

Previous club: Everton

International caps: 48 (15 goals)