Sunderland boss Gus Poyet admits the club was lucky to sign Anthony Reveillere.
The 34-year old French defender joined the Black Cats on a short-term deal on Thursday and Poyet suggests it is a very good deal for the north east outfit.
"We looked at a few different options, but I think that straightaway, because of his pedigree and the way he plays, Anthony was always our first choice," he told the Sunderland Echo.
"After analysing the market with Lee Congerton and company, we decided that Anthony was the best option.
"We were lucky to convince him to come with us."
Poyet added: "I'm happy because he is a great option and he has a lot of experience. He knows the game and has played in France and Spain and Italy.
"Of course the Premier League is a new experience, but he knows the game and that is the most important thing.
"He has been working hard on his fitness in his time with us, and the only thing he lacks now is football fitness - match fitness."
20-time France international Reveillere has previously played with Rennes, Valencia, Lyon and Napoli, winning five Ligue 1 titles with Lyon where he made close to 400 appearances.
