Blackburn sign Kilgallon

Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of former Sunderland defender Matthew Kilgallon on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old joins the Championship outfit after his contract at the Stadium of Light expired.

Kilgallon has signed a two-year contract with Gary Bowyer’s side, and has been backed by his new boss to make an immediate impact.

“Matt is a good signing for us,” Bowyer told the club’s official website.

“He will bring a lot of experience from playing in the Premier League and in the Championship.

“He’s left sided and has the ability to play in a couple of positions for us, both at centre-half and at left-back.

“We’re delighted that he’s agreed to join us and we look forward to working with him.”

Kilgallon moves to Ewood Park after failing to establish himself as a regular in the Sunderland first team.

The former Leeds and Sheffield United man spent three years at the Stadium of Light, but was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough and Doncaster respectively during his time in the north east.

He will now try to resurrect his career with Blackburn, who are also reported to be close to securing the signature of Crystal Palace midfielder Alex Marrow.