New signings will improve Cats and bring something new – Tom

Tom Flanagan says the Sunderland dressing room have been left enthused by the club’s late business in the transfer market – and can see how the new additions will improve the squad.

Having already added Carl Winchester to their ranks earlier in January, the Black Cats swooped for Southampton youngster Jake Vokins and Rangers winger Jordan Jones on Friday to add some extra depth to the squad ahead of a hectic end to the campaign. And Lee Johnson had one more addition up his sleeve too, with Ross Stewart putting pen to paper on Sunday evening.

Sunderland had until 11pm yesterday to finalise any incomings and outgoings, and Flanagan has lifted the lid on how the late hive of activity has been greeted inside the Academy of Light.

Speaking after the draw with Gillingham, the defender said: “I've sat in dressing rooms before and we've signed players, not necessarily here, but they walk in and you think 'what's he going to give the team?'.

“But with those signings, they're good signings and you can see them making us better.

“As a group that's all we really care about, making us better. There's no point having a squad of 30 players and we're all on a level playing field. All of the players are bringing something new.”

Flanagan has prior

Jordan Jones is one of the late transfer deals struck by Sunderland

knowledge of Jones having previously played with the wideman while on international duty with Northern Ireland, and is relishing the chance to work with him at club level.

And the 29-year-old is also looking forward to seeing what Vokins and Stewart – provided a deal is wrappedup – can bring to the table.

"In regards to Jake, I've

not really seen him but he's played in the Premier League in a game this week and gave a good account of himself,” said Flanagan.

"Southampton have kind of said 'look, play some games and we'll see where you're at.'

"To even get a player from a club like that - they've got a great bloodline of sending good players out on loan and them doing well. I think that's a good signing.

“Obviously Jordan I've worked with before and he brings a real threat.

"He's very direct and he can be frustrating - but he's a winger, they're all like that!

"The next one [Stewart]... I'm sure it'll be a good signing. The manager has got a way of recruiting, he's quite statistical.”

The potential trio of new arrivals will see competition in the Sunderland squad raise another level – something which Flanagan believes is no bad thing.

"I was injured, sitting in the treatment room thinking I'm going to struggle to get back in,” he admitted.

“Bailey and Jordan were doing well, Dion came on a couple of times - so I'm pleased he put me straight back in.

“Conor is looking at Max now and Max is doing well, Jordan Jones will be sitting there today thinking 'right, I've got to come in on Monday and really go for it'.

“I would say that's exactly what he wants. He's got the players that he wants, he's signed the players he thinks will make us better, and it's down to them to help us out.”