The 34-year-old has penned a one-year deal at the Stadium of Light after leaving Ipswich at the end of last season.

Colgan recently had a trial at Bradford, but failed to win a deal at Boss Roy Keane has decided to offer the former Chelsea man the chance to play in the Premier League and he will provide cover for No.1 Craig Gordon.

"It's a huge challenge which I'm really looking forward to," Colgan told the club's official website.

"I got the call from the gaffer and he gave me 24 hours to think about it, but I think it took me about 24 seconds to decide!

"He told me he wants to carry a good squad of goalkeepers and it's my job to bring my experience to the other keepers and to add some pressure on them and keep them on their toes, and I'm looking forward to getting started."