Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair signs for Middlesbrough

English Championship side Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair from north-east rivals Sunderland.

The 23-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Smoggies following a two-year spell with Sunderland that saw him taste relegation twice.

Former Manchester United defender McNair made 28 appearances during an injury-interrupted spell at the Stadium of Light.

The 20-times-capped defender, who also plays across midfield, scored four goals in five games upon his return at the end of last season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here,” the Ballyclare native told the club's official website.

“From the first time I spoke to the manager here and knew that Middlesbrough were interested, I was dying to come.

“It’s been a hard last 12 months [with Sunderland] but at the same time it was a learning curve, and it will stand me in good stead,” he said.

“There’s no easy game in the Championship and you have to be physically and mentally ready for it.

“Hopefully we can achieve the goal at the end of the season, and that’s to get back to the Premier League.”