Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat described as Lee Cattermole as ‘central to the success of our team’ after the midfielder signed a new long-term contract extension.

The combative 27-year-old former England Under-21 international has been with the Black Cats for six years and was rewarded with extended terms in October of 2012.

However, Advocaat was keen to tie Cattermole down to an even greater commitment, with the schemer now contracted at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2021.

And the veteran Dutchman is in no doubt just how important Cattermole is to his plans for the coming campaign, when the Wearsiders aim to ensure that they are not embroiled in another Premier League relegation battle.

Advocaat told the club’s official website: “Lee is the controller of the side. He is a motivator, a leader and central to the success of our team. To know that he will be with us for many years to come is very important to the club.”

That theme was echoed by sporting director Lee Congerton, who added: “Lee is a hugely important part of our team, both on and off the field, and we are delighted that he has committed his long-term future to Sunderland.”

Cattermole, who started his career at Middlesbrough, has made just under 150 appearances for Sunderland to date, having arrived from Wigan Athletic for a fee of around £6million in August 2009.

His putting pen to paper follows the recent arrival of former loanee Sebastian Coates on a permanent basis from Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Sunderland can be backed at 4.00 to start the new league season with a victory at Leicester City.