Bolton Wanderers midfielder Keith Andrews makes Brighton switch

After the arrival of Jay Spearing, the Republic of Ireland international could no longer be guaranteed first team football.

Andrews started in the 1-1 draw at Burnley last week and was on the bench in the Captial One Cup victory against Shrewsbury Town in midweek. But it appears the 32-year-old may have played his last game for the club after agreeing a move to the Amex Stadium.

Albion head coach Oscar Garcia had been looking for midfield reinforcements and reports from the south coast suggest the Irishman could feature in today’s home game against Derby County.

"We are pleased to welcome Keith to the club," Garcia told Brighton's official club website.

"He is a player with experience at the top level of the English game and international football - including World Cups and European Championships.

"Keith is a player who I know will enjoy the way we like to play. He is a dynamic and energetic player and brings different qualities which will complement our existing midfielders, and he will bring added competition to our midfield."

Andrews played 26 times for the Whites last season and scored four goals from the penalty spot but his time at the Reebok has been beset with injury problems, which have prevented him to reaching top form. He arrived on a free transfer after being released by West Brom but was carrying an Achilles injury which flared up just a couple of months into the new campaign.

After featuring regularly for the Whites over Christmas and receiving painkilling injections in his heel, the midfielder then developed a thigh problem that would eventually account for his season.

His last game came against Crystal Palace in mid-January after which he underwent surgery and flew to Qatar for rehabilitation in the summer.

Andrews featured heavily in the pre-season programme but with Josh Vela now returning to full fitness and Spearing likely to take the holding midfield role his chances looked limited.