Irish sensation Stephanie Roche has joined FA Women’s Super League 1 side Sunderland Ladies.

The 26-year-old finished runner-up to James Rodriguez in FIFA's 2014 Puskas Goal of the Season award after her stunning volley for Irish side Peamount United last year.

Roche joins Sunderland after her contract with Houston Dash was terminated last month after the US side exceeded their foreign player quota when they signed Australian defender Ellie Brush and Brazilian Camila.

"It's great to be at Sunderland Ladies and I can't wait to get started," Roche told Sunderland Ladies’ official website.

"I know there is a high standard in WSL 1 and it's something I'm looking forward to being a part of.

"The team have done really well this season and hopefully I can play my part too."