Mick completes signing of Welsh wing wizard

Sunderland AFC today completed the signing of winger Andy Welsh from Stockport County for an initial £15,000 fee, followed by an additional £20,000 linked to appearances.

The 21-year-old has joined the Black Cats on a one-and-a-half year deal that will see him remain at the Stadium of Light until June 2006.

A product of Stockport's Centre of Excellence, Andy spent a brief spell on loan at Macclesfield in 2002 and has been capped by Scotland at under 19 level.
He recently spent three days training at the Academy of Light with the Sunderland squad.

Commenting on the signing Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy said: "Andy is a player we've been watching for a while. He's a left-footed winger with pace, dribbling skills and he can put in a good cross. He's another young, hungry player wanting to prove himself at a higher level and I'm delighted he's joined us. "

Andy added: "I didn't think twice about the move. Coming to a great club like this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to it."
Andy, who has been given squad number 11, is set to make his Sunderland debut in tonight's reserve game against Aston Villa.

Player Profile:

Name: Andrew Welsh
D.O.B: 24/01/83
Birthplace: Manchester, England
Position: Winger
Height: 5ft 10"
Weight: 10st 4lbs

Career History:

Schoolboy - 2004 Stockport County
(Macclesfield on loan 2002)