Republic of Ireland international defender Steve Finnan has joined Portsmouth on a one-year contract.

The 33-year old full-back spent last season with Espanyol, whom he joined following a five year spell with Liverpool, but his time in Spain saw him struggle to make an impact due to an injury-plagued campaign.

Limerick-born Finnan, the holder of 52 senior caps, was not named in the Irish squad for the friendly against Australia in Thomond Park on August 12 but manager Giovanni Trapattoni insisted at Thursday's squad announcement the defender is very much part of his plans.

Portsmouth manager Part Hart heralded the arrival of Finnan.

He told the club's official website: "It whetted my appetite to think that we could get a player of Steve's calibre here. He's really looking forward to coming here and we're looking forward to seeing him play."