Free agent Jan Kirchhoff has joined Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has spent the past few days on trial with the Trotters after being left without a club since leaving Sunderland at the end of the last campaign.

Kirchhoff, who made 23 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats in 18 months with the club, says that he is keen to now get some minutes under his belt after returning from his latest spell on the sidelines.

"I'm really pleased to be here and happy to be back in football," he told the club's official website. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and to play for this great team."

Bolton are four points above the relegation zone after battling to a 1-0 win over Sunderland in their last outing.