Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair says he has always admired West Bromwich Albion after joining the club on a short-term loan deal until the end of the year.
The former Sunderland and Middlesbrough man has signed a pre-contract with Major League Soccer’s newest side, San Diego FC, but their season does not start until January.
That left McNair searching for a temporary move to maintain his fitness before moving Stateside and he has found it by joining the Baggies until the turn of the year.
An experienced Championship player having played the last eight seasons in the English second division, McNair will add significant now-how to the West Brom squad as they push for promotion this season.
And the 69-times capped Northern Ireland international says he can’t wait to get started at the Hawthorns, even if it is only for the next five months.
“West Bromwich Albion is a very good club and one I’ve always admired,” said the 29-year-old.
“I know a lot of lads who have played here in the past and they’ve all said good things about it. I’m really happy to be here.
“I’ve played in the Championship for the last seven years so I’ve got a lot of experience in this division.”
West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan commented: “We’re very pleased to have signed Paddy and we welcome him to our club.
“He is a player who has a lot of experience in this league with Sunderland and Middlesbrough. He’s played just under 350 career matches and he’ll add a lot of maturity and quality to our squad.
“He is capable of playing in a number of different positions which will be really helpful for us and really important in a league as demanding as the Championship.”