DARYL Murphy has signed a one-year extension to his Sunderland contract.

The new deal means the Irish forward, 25, has committed himself to the club until 2012.

Murphy, who joined the Black Cats from Waterford in 2005, said: "I've always wanted to stay here and it's nice to get the the extension.

"It's a big club, the supporters are great and we're going in the right direction. It's a different club to the one I joined three years ago."

Meanwhile, manager Roy Keane has agreed to let Ross Wallace go on loan to Championship side Preston on a season-long deal.

Wallace had turned down a move to Deepdale last month but has now agreed to join Alan Irvine's side with the option of a permanent deal in January.

** READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS IN TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **