Teenage defender Dan Smith has signed a new one-year deal at Sunderland.
Teenage defender Dan Smith has signed a new one-year deal at Sunderland and hopes to secure a regular first team place for the coming season.The 19-year-old full back made his Premiership debut with The Black Cats last term, and hit the headlines for his foul against Arsenal in May.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger threatened legal action against Smith after his rash challenge on Abou Diaby which ruled the player out of the UEFA Champions League final with a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Caretaker manager Kevin Ball defended the youngster to the hilt, at the time, and the Wearsiders have continued to show loyalty towards him, ahead of the new Championship season.
"It's great to sign and get it all done and dusted. We have been in talks over the summer and it was agreed when I was on holiday. If there was a chance to stay, I wanted to take it," Smith explained.
"I grew up in Sunderland, I supported the club - I know all about it and I wanted to stay. I've got to push on and try to get in the starting XI."
