New signing Alan Hutton can't wait to kick off his Sunderland career after completing a loan move from Spurs.
Hutton made a deadline-busting switch to become the second defender - Matt Kilgallon being the other - to sign on the dotted line in 2010.
The Scottish international was signed from Rangers for £9m in January 2008 but has been in and out of the Tottenham side so far this season.
Speaking just moments after finalising the deal to bring him to Wearside, Hutton said the prospect of winning a regular starting spot at the Stadium of Light was too good to refuse.
And he also said the club's renowned support also played a part in persuading him to make the move.
"Everyone wants to play football and I'm no different, he said. "But I know that, like anyone else, I'll have to give 110% to show the manager I'm worthy of a starting place.
"I already know how big Sunderland is as a club. They have great fans and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of them.
"When I was at Rangers the fans were superb and I'm sure Sunderland's will be much the same."
Hutton boasts over 150 appearances for Rangers and Spurs at senior level, as well as international caps and SPL and Carling Cup winners' medals.
"I'm over the moon to be here and now I want to crack on and do my best for Sunderland," he continued.
"The place is amazing. These are great facilities - everything needed for a massive club like this."
Hutton says his move north will be made easier by having some familiar faces around, notably former Spurs team-mate - and Sunderland's leading scorer - Darren Bent.
The defender also knows goalkeeper Craig Gordon, with whom he has played at international level for Scotland.
"I know a few of the lads already," he said. "Obviously I know Darren Bent and I had a wee chat with Craig Gordon earlier today.
"Knowing people should help me to settle in quicker. It's helpful having people you know around and it makes things a lot easier.
"Sunderland started brilliantly with some massive results but we've fallen away a bit recently. Hopefully I can come in and help turn that around."
Hutton will miss tonight's game against Stoke, but he's raring to go if selected when Steve Bruce's former club, Wigan, visit to SoL this weekend.
"I'm really looking forward to Saturday. It's a shame we couldn't get the deal through earlier, but that just makes me look forward to getting out there all the more."
- Watch an exclusive video interview with Alan Hutton on SAFC TV now.
