Sunderland's Duncan Watmore signs new four-year contract

Sunderland striker Duncan Watmore has signed a new four-year deal with the club.

The England U21 international - named Barclays U21 Premier League Player of the Season for 2014-15 - broke into the Black Cats' side earlier this campaign.

Watmore has scored two goals in six appearances to date and has now been rewarded with a new deal ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace in Monday Night Football.

"Duncan is an exciting prospect and the kind of talent you want to see coming through at your club," manager Sam Allardyce told the club's official website.

"He is a bright young man, he has a sensible head on his shoulders and if he continues to make the kind of progress we have seen this season, I am sure that he has a great future ahead of him."

The player himself was thrilled to commit to Sunderland and Watmore, who also starred for England U21 against Swizterland U21 after coming off the bench last Monday, is keen to improve as a player.

"I'm delighted to sign my new deal and commit my future to Sunderland," he said.

"I've had a great few years here developing my game and now I hope to push on further, with the help of the staff, my team-mates and the supporters, who have all been fantastic with me."

Watmore was also praised by Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton after he progressed through the ranks to the first team.

"Every club is searching for young, talented English players, so for us to be able to agree a long term contract with Duncan is fantastic for Sunderland," said Congerton.

"Through his own hard work and diligence, and by seizing the opportunities given to him, he has progressed from the youth team through to the first team, which is exactly what we want to see from our young players."