Former Aston Villa full-back Eric Lichaj has signed for Championship club Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
Lichaj, 24, made 41 appearances for Villa in all competitions after arriving at the club s academy in 2007, but left at the end of last season after his contract expired.
The versatile American has signed a two-year deal at the City Ground, and was delighted to have sealed his future.
I was disappointed not to play more games for Villa last season but that s in the past – I want to focus on my future with Forest, Lichaj told the club s official website.
My agent told me just before the season ended that Forest were interested and it feels good to have finally signed – it s nerve-racking being a free agent and I m very happy to come here.
Hopefully I can help the team and the fans to take us back into the Premier League.
Lichaj has previous Championship experience, having spent a portion of the 2010-11 campaign on loan at Leeds United, where he made 16 appearances.
And he believes he will be able to adjust quickly, giving his taste for playing in the league.
I know how the league is played and how the players are. I think I ll be able to adapt very well, he said.
I m just looking forward to the season s start.
Forest manager Billy Davies was delighted to have confirmed the signing of Lichaj, who has won eight caps for his country.
Eric is a great signing for us, Davies said.
He has experience at the top level of English football and arrives at an important stage of his career. We are very much looking forward with him.