Sunderland midfielder Liam Lawrence has signed a one-year extension to his contract that will keep him at the Premiership club until 2007.
The 22-year-old was a key figure as the Black Cats won promotion last season after joining in the summer of 2004.
"We are hoping he can step it up again in the Premiership," Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy told the club's website.
Lawrence added: "I'm delighted to pledge my future to the club. I can't wait for the new season to start."