McCann extends Sunderland contract

Sunderland midfielder Gavin McCann has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2006.

Sunderland midfielder Gavin McCann has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2006.

The former Everton midfielder, linked with a move away from the Black Cats last season, has agreed a one-year extension to his existing deal.

McCann, capped by England last February in the friendly against Spain - Sven-Goran Eriksson's first match in charge - had a transfer request refused by Sunderland last season.

But following lengthy talks with Reid he is happy to pledge his future to the Wearsiders, who narrowly avoided the drop to Nationwide Division One last season.

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McCann said: "I am delighted to have signed my new contract and am fully committed to Sunderland.

"I never wanted to leave the club and always hoped a new contract could be sorted out.

"I'm looking forward to pre-season and seeing all the lads and to the new Premiership season and to helping the club achieve success."

Sunderland boss Peter Reid told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "Gavin McCann is a very important part of the team.

"He has done well for the club and his new contract is a reward for that.

"We have been negotiating with Gavin for some time and now his new contact is agreed I'm sure he will go from strength to strength with Sunderland."