The 24-year-old joins from Vanarama National League North side Blyth Spartans, where he had only been since March 2022.

Originally from Bedlington, he had been playing in Norway since 2018, but has been out of a club after leaving Bryne FK in January.

He made 58 appearances for Sunderland’s under-23s, joining the Black Cats when he was 8 before transferring to Notodden FK in Norway.

He was nominated for the Premier League 2 player of the month award in January 2017 and was part of the side that reached the 2016/17 Premier League International Cup final.

Experienced at the top level, featuring as an unused Carabao Cup sub, he has played against the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembélé.

Morpeth manager Craig Lynch told https://www.morpethtownfc.com: “I’m glad to get Josh signed up for the season.

“Right back was a very important area we needed to recruit for. Josh has a very strong background with coming through at Sunderland and playing a high number of games in the reserve team and featuring in first team matchday squads before going to Norway.

“He’s had time with Blyth to get himself back involved in the game and has the attributes I look for in a full back. I’m looking forward to seeing him play this season”.