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Sunderland defender Niall Huggins has signed a contract extension to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2026.

There is also a club option of a further year included in the deal.

Huggins, 23, joined Sunderland from Leeds United in 2021 and has made 28 appearances, scoring one goal.

But he has not played since December 2023 as he recovers from a "significant" knee injury.

"It's been a tough year for me, so I appreciate the club backing me and seeing my potential," he

Huggins had become a first-team regular in the first half of last season after managing only four appearances apiece in two injury-hit campaigns before that.

So the injury he picked up from landing awkwardly in a 3-0 loss to Coventry was a big blow.

But with his contract set to expire next summer, Sunderland's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman wanted to remove any pressure from the former Wales Under-21 player.

"Niall experienced a significant injury just as he had established himself in the team but despite this disappointment, his response has been first class," said Speakman.

"This extension removes any ambiguity over his status next summer and allows our focus to be on supporting him over the coming weeks and months."

The Black Cats are top of the Championship after nine games and play Hull City on Sunday (15:00 BST).