Mick signs a midfielder

Mick McCarthy has completed the signing of young Irish midfielder Billy Dennehy.

Dennehy, 17, had a trial with Sunderland last year after McCarthy's scout Dave Bowman spotted him playing in Ireland and he was offered a contract - but the legalities couldn't be completed until the January transfer window, reports SAFC.com.

The Irish U18 international also had trials with Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Southampton and had offers from them, but chose to take up the option to play for Sunderland.

SAFC scout Bowman said "He can play left-midfield or left wing and has promise. He's tall and athletic.

"We think he can develop with the help of Mick and his coaches at the academy. It's unfair to compare him to anyone, let's just allow him to develop and hopefully we can bring him on.

"He's a very fit boy. Some lads we invite in for a trial struggle with the fitness side, but he hasn't and all we heard were positives from the people he had worked with."

McCarthy said, "Billy's a young lad with potential. He came in and trained with us and impressed us with his ability and attitude. He's one for the future."

Dennehy, who previously represented his home county of Kerry in Gaelic football, could well get his debut for Sunderland against Nottingham Forest reserves on Monday night (31 Jan) at Durham City FC's ground.