Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Leadbitter commits to Cats

27 Jun 2008 - 20:32:06

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Midfielder Grant Leadbitter has continued his rise through the ranks at Sunderland after agreeing a new three-year contract with his hometown club.

The 22-year-old graduate of the club's academy system made 25 appearances last season - including 17 Premier League starts - in which he scored two goals.

Leadbitter's career has taken off following Roy Keane's arrival as manager two years ago and the youngster is now the club's longest serving player, having made his first-team debut back in 2003.

The former England Under-21 international had just 12 months remaining on his existing deal.

"I'm pleased to sign. I'm happy at the club and I want to help drive it forward next season, I want to kick on," he told the club's official website.

Keane added: "Grant's done a good job since I came to the club. He's got quality and he's enthusiastic - a good character. He's maturing well."