CADEN KELLY has signed his first professional contract with Sunderland.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has also featured in a number of forward roles since making the step up to the Under-23s on a regular basis last season, has signed a two-year deal until 2024.

Born in the Republic of Ireland and raised in Manchester, Kelly arrived as a scholar on Wearside having previously represented Manchester City.

He went on to make 19 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season for Sunderland Under-23s, as well as 12 in the Under-18 Premier League, scoring a total of five league goals.

He made his first-team debut for Sunderland in October 2021 at the age of just 17, coming on as a late substitute against Manchester United Under-21s in the group stage of the Papa John’s Trophy.