Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson joins Sunderland from Everton

Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson has signed for Sunderland from Everton on an 18-month deal after falling out of favour at Goodison Park.

The former Manchester United midfielder has made just one appearance this season under new manager Ronald Koeman.

The move to the north-east will see the 29-year-old link up once again with David Moyes, the manager who brought him to the Toffees from Manchester.

“It's a fresh start for me,” Gibson said in a video interview with Sunderland's official website.

“I’ve had a frustrating two seasons to say the least. I got the phone call and I was delighted to have the opportunity to come.

“I’m at the stage of my career where I need to play games and start enjoying my football again.

“When I got the phone call I was delighted to have the opportunity to play under the manager again - he signed me for Everton. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a massive club, Sunderland: great training ground, great stadium. I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to keep the club up.

“I’ve not played for a while so i don't think I’ll be thrown straight in but I’m not far off.

“I had a look at the squad before I came up last night and it's a good squad, it's just there are a few injuries. We've got the right characters in the dressing room to have a good go.”

Gibson made a total of 64 appearances for Everton in all competitions, scoring twice, during his five year spell with the Premier League club.

The former Institute youth player joined Manchester United as a teenager and had loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made 31 appearances in all for the Red Devils.