Sunderland have today confirmed that goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has signed a new contract with the club, with the news being announced today on Twitter.

The 21-year-old has been on the books of the Wearside outfit for many years and has progressed well through the academy to the first team in recent years.

Patterson originally made his debut for the Black Cats back in November of last year in a Papa John's Trophy game against Fleetwood Town and to date has only made two first team appearances for the club.

He has however greatly impressed for the club's under-23 side and will now be looking to compete for the number one spot between the sticks at the Stadium of Light moving forwards.

The academy graduate has signed an initial two year deal which also includes the option for the club to extend it by a further year if they choose to do so.

Patterson will provide competition to Sunderland's number one keeper Lee Burge, with their fellow shot stopper, Remi Matthews, being set to depart at the end of this month.

The Verdict 

This is a great move for Sunderland as they have tied down one of their promising youngsters for the foreseeable future.

Patterson will provide a great deal of competition to Burge moving forwards and in a few years he could well be calling the number one spot his own.

His initial challenge will be to get more first team minutes under his belt in the 2021/22 campaign as he has only played at that level on a handful of occasions.

However with the games set to come thick and fast as always in the Football League, there will be plenty of opportunities for Patterson to stake his claim for a starting spot under the watchful eye of Lee Johnson in the North East.