Lee Johnson reveals Sunderland's plans for Oliver Younger as defender agrees new contract
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The 21-year-old joined the Black Cats from Burnley last summer and quickly impressed in the under-23 set-up.
Younger was handed a first-team debut in the Papa John’s Trophy game at Fleetwood Town before going on to appear in the League One win over Rochdale earlier this year.
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Hide AdHe then helped the under-23 side to the Premier League 2 play-off final and netted in the semi-final win over Stoke City.
And having been part of the senior side during their pre-season preparations, the central defender has agreed a new one-year deal with a club option.
Now, head coach Johnson plans to continue monitoring Younger in and around the first-team environment.
"Ollie has continually progressed and we felt a new a contract was the appropriate next step to take in his development,” he said.
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Hide Ad"This creates an opportunity for Ollie and we will continue to assess his progression in a first-team environment with structured plan for him moving forward.”
Younger, meanwhile, is targeting further senior opportunities after putting pen to paper.
"I’m delighted to have signed a new deal at the club,” he said.
"I felt like I had a good 2020-21 season, but I want to continue developing and I’ll keep my head down and continue to work hard.
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Hide Ad"I’ve enjoyed pre-season, playing for the first team and in front of crowds, and hopefully I can earn more opportunities throughout the upcoming season.”