The Irish midfielder's contract with the Black Cats was ended yesterday. He said: "I'm gutted that, due to my knee injury, I didn't get to play more games for the club"

"I'll be moving on to pastures new but I'd like to thank everyone at the club, especially the fans for their fantastic support during my time here."

Kavanagh joined Sunderland in the summer of 2006 as one of six signings made by Roy Keane on the final day of the August transfer window. He signed a three-year deal.

His career at the Stadium of Light got off to a good start, but he suffered a knee injury after just 14 games for the Black Cats and struggled to make an impact after that.

Kavanagh, who has also played for Middlesbrough, Stoke, Cardiff and Wigan, made 24 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday during a loan stay at Hillsborough last season.

The Dubliner scored one goal - at Leeds in a 3-0 win - in 15 appearances for Sunderland.

With his first 'deal' of the transfer window now under his belt hopefully Ricky Sbragia will get the ball rolling and bring in a quality centre back, someone along the lines of Kolo Toure who is believed to be wanting out of Arsenal.

Other players linked to Sunderland are Paul Scharner of Wigan and Matthew Upson of West Ham.

Also said to be looking to leave the Sunderland Stadium of Light is Grant Leadbitter, most probably for a Championship or League one side.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Sbragia denies interest in M'Bami
• Chopra, Diouf, Healy: All to Stay
• Match Preview: Middlesbrough
• Chopra wants more goals at Boro
• Richardson to face late fitness test