Paddy McNair has left MLS side San Diego FC to sign an 18-month contract with Championship outfit Hull City.
The Tigers, who have an option of a further year on the former Manchester United defender, are currently sitting fourth in the table, just five points off an automatic promotion place, which McNair readily admits was a huge incentive in him joining the club.
“I’ve played in the Championship for a lot of seasons and the one thing I’m missing is a promotion,” the Northern Ireland defender told the Hull City website.
“It was a great opportunity to come to a big club that’s sitting well in the table. It would be great if we could push on towards the end of the season and reach that goal."
“It feels great to be here,” added the 30-year-old. “It had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks, so I’m happy to get it over the line.
“I had a Zoom call with the manager (Sergej Jakirovic) a few weeks ago. He seems quite laid back and chilled, and everyone speaks highly of him."
Hull City will be the sixth club of McNair’s career. He previously played for Manchester United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion and San Diego FC, clocking up a total of 303 appearances.
The Ballyclare man made his Northern Ireland senior debut against Scotland in March 2015 and won his 81st cap for his country in November’s 1-0 victory over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
