Sunderland complete Healy and Cisse loans

Sunderland have followed up the signing of Djibril Cisse with the capture of Fulham striker David Healy for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old has moved to the Stadium of Light on a three-year deal and becomes manager Roy Keane's sixth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Cisse, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, Steed Malbranque and El-Hadji Diouf.

The Northern Ireland international will be looking to kick-start his career after scoring just four Premier League goals in one season at Craven Cottage following his £1.5million move from Leeds.

Manager Roy Keane underlined Healy's top-level experience and international scoring record as one of the main reasons behind the striker's arrival in the north-east.

Keane told the club's website, safc.com: 'David will be a good signing for us.

'He has lots of experience at the top level and his international record is phenomenal.'

Keane continued: 'He scored a few goals for Fulham last season, one of them was a well-taken strike against us at Craven Cottage and he is another signing who will increase competition for places.'

Healy began his career at Manchester United alongside Keane but moved to Preston in 2001 following a successful loan spell.

He then moved on to Leeds in 2004 before his £1.5million switch to the Cottagers last summer.

While his league scoring record over the last couple of seasons has been fitful, the Downpatrick forward has found great success at international level with 34 goals in 64 games for Northern Ireland.

Healy was also the leading scorer in qualification for Euro 2008 and appeared last night in the 0-0 friendly with Scotland - although he missed a penalty which would have earned victory for his side.

Healy revealed he was looking forward to being reunited with Keane.

He explained: 'I know Roy Keane from my Manchester United days and it's a privilege to join him at Sunderland.

'I'm well aware of the passion of the Sunderland fans, having played at the Stadium of Light a few times, and I can't wait to get going. It's an exciting time for me.'

Healy's arrival means Keane has brought three new strikers to the Stadium of Light as the team look to improve on their 15th-placed finish of last season.

Central defender Anton Ferdinand is also expected to join the Black Cats from West Ham.

source: soccernet.com