McGeady signs for Sunderland

Aiden McGeady after scoring at Blackburn last season

McGeady was voted PNE's player of the year by supporters last season after some sparkling performances.

He joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan from Everton last August and went on to make 35 appearances, scoring eight goals.

The Republic of Ireland international particularly found his form from late December onwards, seven of his goals coming in the second-half of the campaign.

Aiden McGeady with the PNE player of the year trophy

His move to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, on a three-year contract, reunites him with ex-PNE manager Simon Grayson at the Stadium of Light.

The chance of playing under Grayson played a big part in the move to Wearside.

McGeady, 31, said: "A club like Sunderland is difficult to turn down and at this stage of my career, I had to choose carefully my next move.

"With Simon Grayson coming to Sunderland and having him last year at Preston, he got the best out of me - probably the best I had played for a few years."