Sunderland forward targets first team football after signing new contract

Luke Molyneux has agreed terms on a new deal at Sunderland.

The 20-year-old described it as an "easy decision" to commit his future to the club, Molyneux signing a new contract until the end of this season.

Jack Ross has been keen to give youth a chance this season and Molyneux, comfortable out wide or in a forward role, is keen to make an impression on the new boss ahead of the League One campaign.

He was named on the bench for last night's 1-0 friendly win over Grimsby Town.

Molyneux said: "I’m very happy to sign a new contract with the club, and hopefully I can show what I can do this season and step up to the first team.

"It was an easy decision to make because I want to be at this club."

Molyneux made his first-team debut on the final day of the 2017-18 campaign, he started in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light.

Raised in Bishop Auckland, he signed for the club's academy at Under-16 level.

Meanwhile, five other Sunderland youngsters have signed new deals at the club.

Under-23 regulars Owen Gamble, Brandon Taylor and Alex Storey have signed new deals until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Adam Bale and Jack Connolly have also agreed deals until the end of current campaign, with the duo signing their first professional contracts.