Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has invested in Irish youth by handing a new deal to midfielder Richie Ryan and signing Manchester City's 20-year-old striker Stephen Elliott.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan, whose contract was up at the end of this season, has signed a one-year deal which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until the end of next season.

Ryan was handed a Premiership debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat by arch-rivals Newcastle in April last year after only six reserve team appearances, and got another opportunity in the final day demolition by Arsenal as McCarthy ran the rule over his squad.

However, a troublesome hip injury severely limited his involvement during the last campaign, and he will return for pre-season training knowing the manager believes he has a future but with something still to prove.

"Mick McCarthy handed me my debut before I got injured, so he's seen what I can do," said the Ireland under-19 international. "He is the best manager I've played under, he has a lot of experience and I'm sure I can learn a great deal from him. Personally, I've had a great time at the club and I'm really pleased to have been given another year."

Under-21 international Elliott, out contract at City, has signed a three-year deal and said: "With my contract about to expire at Manchester City, I had various options presented to me but when I heard about Sunderland's interest, I was thrilled.

"The prospect of joining Sunderland is very exciting and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with Mick McCarthy."