Simon Grayson is delighted to have sealed a move for Robbin Ruiter after the Dutchman put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
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The 30-year-old goalkeeper is unlikely to feature in Friday’s game against Derby County, though, with the Sunderland boss also ruling Josh Maja out of the Sky Bet Championship opener.
As expected, Bryan Oviedo, Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore will also miss the start of the campaign, but Jack Rodwell could be involved after returning to training on Monday.
“Everybody saw what he did in the two games he played,” said Grayson.
“He showed his quality and he didn’t have to come on trial as such, he came because he has a desire to play for the club and what he’ll do is add experience to the group because of the amount of games he’s played in different competitions."
He continued: “Friday’s game might be a bit of a rush for him given he probably hasn’t trained since Scunthorpe United, but we’ll see how he is on Thursday morning.
“Jack was back in training Monday and he’s been fine so we expect him to be in and around the squad, but he’s not one hundred percent fit because he’s been out since the St Johnstone game.
“Maja will probably miss it because of a knee injury he picked up at Bradford City, but he’s not too far away and Oviedo is running again.
“The other two lads, Duncan and Paddy, are making real good progress and it will be great to see them back, but that won’t be until after the international weekend.
“When you’re without the likes of Bryan, Duncan and Paddy you are without three first-team players, and that’s damaging because we need strength in depth over the course of the season.
“We want them back as quickly as we can but we won’t rush them.”