SUNDERLAND new-boy Stephen Wright is ready to show Liverpool they were wrong to let him go by becoming a big-hit with the Black Cats in the Premiership.

The England Under 21 international defender completed his £3 million move to the Stadium of Light yesterday after agreeing a five-year contract.

And now he's in line to make his Sunderland debut in tomorrow's Premiership curtain-raiser against Blackburn at Ewood where he will be eager to impress new boss Peter Reid.

"I'm delighted to be joining Sunderland and I am looking forward to the start of the new Premiership season," said Wright.

"Once I had spoken to Peter, I made my decision. This is a massive club with passionate and great supporters. They had a poor season last year but they can only go on.

"Liverpool told me there was an offer there, but first I asked what my chances were at Anfield.

"However, with Markus Babbel coming back in and Jamie (Carragher) there they were probably going to be nil. But I left on great terms, there was no nastiness."

Reid had been on the look-out for a full-back since Bernt Haas was placed on the transfer list last season.

So he was delighted to secure the services of Wright - a player he had been monitoring for some time.

"Stephen is a player who I have seen play both club football for Liverpool and international football for England, at Under-21 level," said the Sunderland boss.

"He's already a great player and is at the right age to develop into a top-class footballer. I am very pleased to have him on board."

Liverpool-born Wright made 14 appearances for the Reds last season, scoring a crucial goal in their 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund in October.

He signed a new three-year deal at Anfield only last season but the return to fitness of Babbel could have blocked his progress this term.

A move to Sunderland, therefore, could turn out to be just the boost his career needs.

And Reid was particularly pleased to wrap up the deal after being slammed by critics for being too quiet in the transfer market this summer.

"We have signed a couple, but if you don't spend any money people go crackers at you," said Reid.

"We've been frustrated on a couple of deals but this one has gone through, which is great for the team and for the club. It's great to get someone of his calibre so young.

"He is going to be a really good player and it's good to get someone who can understand me when I speak!"

The Sunderland boss also responded to claims by Chelsea chairman Ken Bates that some managers, Reid included, face a test this season as the cheque-book style of management had come to an end.

Reid added: "I've always had the financial backing so it's no different to me.

"I think he should look after his own club. If I was him I would put all my energy into that, the FA or Wembley, or whichever he wants."