Sunderland sign Bridge on loan from City

Sunderland have signed defender Wayne Bridge on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League leaders Manchester City, the north-east club said on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old former England international, who is available for Sunderland's league game against Norwich on Wednesday, has played just once for City this season, in a League Cup match in September.

Bridge joined City from Chelsea in a £12million move in January 2009, but has managed only 58 appearances in his three years with the club.

The left-back, who has 30 senior England caps, would fill a position which has been vacant for some time at the Stadium of Light.

He began his career with home-town club Southampton and hit the big time when he was snapped up by Chelsea in a £7million deal in July 2003.

"I'm hoping that with Wayne's undoubted experience and ability he can be a big help to the team until the end of the season," Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill told the club's official website.