Honeyman buzzing after contract extension at boyhood club Sunderland

Midfielder George Honeyman admits there is a lot he owes Sunderland after signing a contract to keep him at the Stadium of Light until July 2019.

The 22-year-old has been on Wearside for 12 years of his football career already, and said the chance to extend his stay was a no-brainer – despite his side being relegated from the Premier League.

Missing the last few matches through injury, his first appearance of the season came in the FA Cup defeat to Burnley, while five Premier League appearances followed in 2017.

Honeyman has also become something of a fan favourite, despite his limited game-time, now hoping he can give plenty back to the Black Cats as they prepare for a season of Championship football.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

“I’m delighted it has all been finalised and now I’m looking forward to working hard and spending the next couple of years at Sunderland,” he said.

“It means everything to my family and I to play football for our first team. I have loved every second of my time at the club ever since they were taking me in four times a week when I was 11.

“I owe them a lot and wouldn’t have achieved this without them.

“I want to be a regular in the team and help achieve promotion and I truly believe next season we can achieve both of those things.”