Sunderland AFC has completed the signing of central defender Jimmy Dunne from Burnley FC.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international joins on loan until the end of the season.

Born in Dundalk in Ireland, Dunne is a graduate from Manchester United’s highly-acclaimed academy in Belfast.

In 2016, aged 18 he joined Premier League outfit Burnley. During his time at Turf Moor he enjoyed a successful loan spells at Barrow to further his development, before making the step up on a season-long loan at Accrington Stanley as they secured promotion to League One.

His first call-up for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 came during his time at the Wham Stadium.

At the start of the 2018-19 season the 21-year old joined Scottish Premiership side, Heart of Midlothian on a six-month loan

Speaking about his move to Sunderland AFC, Jimmy said: “I’m very excited to be here. I’m looking to step up and keep developing my game, so this is a good place for me to do that.

“The lads here have been on a good run and I’ve been lucky to be in a team where we’ve been winning as well, so long may both continue.

“I didn’t have anything to think about, there were 46,000 people here on Boxing Day and that just grabs you.

“It’s a massive club and it was a no-brainer for me”.

Dunne will wear shirt number 30 and you can buy your personalised shirt now via the SAFC Store!

