MK Dons swoop for midfielder Darren Potter

Potter has collected five Republic of Ireland caps

MK Dons have signed midfielder Darren Potter on a one-year deal, following his release by mutual consent from Sheffield Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international played 40 times, scoring four goals for the Owls last season.

He made his professional debut at Liverpool, where Dons boss Karl Robinson is a former coach.

"The gaffer's somebody I've known for a good few years through our Liverpool connection," he told the club website.

"He's trying to get this club to the next level, and hopefully I can be part of that."

Potter started out at Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton but switched to the Reds before making a first team appearance.

He made his debut in August 2004 in a Champions League qualifier against Graz AK and went on to make 17 appearances for the Anfield club, including two as a Premier League substitute.

Wolves paid £250,000 to sign the Irishman in January 2007 after an initial loan spell, and he left for Wednesday two years later, once again on loan at first.

Potter went on to feature 106 times for the Owls, finding the net on nine occasions.

"He's a talented footballer, he retains the ball very well, and he's going to bring an awful lot of experience as well," said Robinson.

"He's a very, very good signing and he cements our ambition."