SUNDERLAND striker Harry Gardiner has signed a new deal with the club on the back of an impressive season with the Under-21s.

The 19-year-old scored seven goals in 16 Premier League 2 games for Graeme Murty's side and was nominated for February's Player of the Month award.

His contract expired at the end of last season with the Black Cats confirming when they released their retained list that they were still in talks with the Sunderland-born teenager. And he's now put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Academy manager Robin Nicholls said: “Harry had a very successful season in the U21s last time out. He displayed many of the qualities that we look for in a forward player here at the club and showed a real ability to learn and improve.

"We look towards another successful season of development for Harry and hope that we can help him continue on his current trajectory.”

Gardiner also spent time out on loan last season, helping South Shields - then managed by Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips - win promotion to National League North.