The 31-year-old Portuguese defensive midfielder, who is known as Pelé, put pen to paper last night (Wednesday) and joins the Bairns until the end of the season.

He took part in a bounce game against St Mirren in the afternoon and then completed a medical in Edinburgh before being unveiled to the fans at the BairnsTrust 'meet the manager' forum at The Falkirk Stadium that evening.

The former West Bromwich Albion player, who was released by the Baggies in the summer after joining for a reported £1 million from Southampton in August 2007, joins on a free transfer.

Head coach Eddie May said: "It is not often you get to sign a player like this. He will undoubtedly bring quality to the squad.

"He has played at a high level and it's an opportunity for him to go out and play, and realise all his potential, which can only be good for us.

"He really wants to play at this standard. There will be chances for us in the coming months to get a better hold on the table and he will definitely help us do that."

Pelé, who was based at the University of Stirling throughout the whole of last week, impressed manager Eddie May in training and personal terms were finally agreed on Monday night after protracted negotiations.

The 6' 1" Portuguese born Cape Verde internationalist was brought to Falkirk on the recommendation of Celtic boss Tony Mowbray, who had originally signed him for West Brom on a two-year contract.

He was released when the English Premier League club were relegated at the end of last season.

Following this weekend's Wales v Scotland international friendly in Cardiff, Pelé could make his first team debut when the Bairns return to SPL action on Saturday, November 21, against Hamilton Accies at Westfield.

May's men, currently bottom of the table, will be looking to build on their 3-3 draw against league leaders Celtic and try to claim their first victory of the season.

After the re-signing of Pedro Moutinho last week, Pelé becomes the 10th player May has brought in to the club since taking over the reins as first team manager in the summer.