Bolton Wanderers are pleased to announce the signing of Marc Wilson on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who is capable of playing both in defence and midfield, was last on the books of Sunderland in 2017/18.

During the formative years of his career meanwhile, the Irishman started out in his homeland with Lisburn Youth before making the switch to Manchester United as a teenager.

After three years at Old Trafford however, he moved to the south-coast with Portsmouth and turned professional with Pompey in 2006, going on to enjoy four seasons at Fratton Park coupled with loans to Yeovil Town, Bournemouth and Luton Town.

The Premier League was calling for him though, and in 2010, he was snapped up by Stoke City where during a six-year stint at the bet365 Stadium, he played in an FA Cup Final and also in the Europa League with the Potters.

Joining up with his former loan side Bournemouth in 2016, he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion in the second half of 2016/17 before agreeing terms with Sunderland last summer.

And now following his departure from the Stadium of Light, Wilson has linked up with Phil Parkinson’s men ahead of the start of the Sky Bet Championship campaign in under two weeks’ time.

Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after completing the move, Wilson said: “It's good to be here. I spoke to the manager a while back and he was really positive about it.

"I think for me personally it is a good chance to get playing football again and hopefully help the club to do well."

Wanderers manager Parkinson added: “We're pleased with the signing of Marc. He's a player who's played at the top level in English football and also on the international stage.

"He can play across the back four as well as holding midfield and is a great addition to our squad."