The Republic of Ireland international has officially completed a move to Wearside, penning a three-year contract with the Black Cats. He arrives on a free transfer, having allowed his contract to run down at Coventry, but has forged quite a reputation during his time in the Championship. At 26 years of age he could be a key figure for Sunderland in the years to come, with Steve Bruce's transfer activity this summer keeping one eye on the future. Westwood hopes he can be a success at the Stadium if Light and has no plans to play back-up to Craig Gordon or Simon Mignolet - having already tasted disappointment once in his career. "Getting released by [Manchester] City as a 19-year-old was the kick up the backside I needed," he said. "It gave me the hunger and desire to prove a lot of people wrong. "I've come here to play first-team football. I know it'll be a tough contest with the other lads who are vying for the shirt and it's all about competition." Sunderland have also wrapped up a deal for former Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson, with the Swede having penned a three-year contract of his own. He is another new recruit who will be looking to make an immediate impact next season, with the Black Cats setting their sights on a top-six challenge in 2011/12. Larsson said: "This is a huge club with big ambitions and it's heading in the right direction. "I'm looking forward to working with the manager again."
Westwood wants Cats jersey
The Republic of Ireland international has officially completed a move to Wearside, penning a three-year contract with the Black Cats. He arrives on a free transfer, having allowed his contract to run down at Coventry, but has forged quite a reputation during his time in the Championship. At 26 years of age he could be a key figure for Sunderland in the years to come, with Steve Bruce's transfer activity this summer keeping one eye on the future. Westwood hopes he can be a success at the Stadium if Light and has no plans to play back-up to Craig Gordon or Simon Mignolet - having already tasted disappointment once in his career. "Getting released by [Manchester] City as a 19-year-old was the kick up the backside I needed," he said. "It gave me the hunger and desire to prove a lot of people wrong. "I've come here to play first-team football. I know it'll be a tough contest with the other lads who are vying for the shirt and it's all about competition." Sunderland have also wrapped up a deal for former Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson, with the Swede having penned a three-year contract of his own. He is another new recruit who will be looking to make an immediate impact next season, with the Black Cats setting their sights on a top-six challenge in 2011/12. Larsson said: "This is a huge club with big ambitions and it's heading in the right direction. "I'm looking forward to working with the manager again."