Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane has joined Premier League newcomers Hull City on a year-long loan.

The Sunderland defender, included in Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers during the week, has not played this season after needing an operation on a fractured knee-cap during the summer.

McShane, who is at Hull's KC Stadlim for this afternoon's clash with Wigan, made just 22 appearances for Roy Keane's side last term and will be hoping to nail down first team football this season.