Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has hailed Lee Cattermole's decision to sign a new contract with the club.

The midfielder, 27, penned a six-year extension at the Stadium of Light last week.

Cattermole, who has made 147 appearances for the Black Cats since 2009, was due to be a free agent next summer.

"He did really well for the team in the last nine games [of last season] - not just on the pitch but off it too," Advocaat told the club's official website. "He was always there in training, during games and in the dressing room, so it's a great signing for the club."

Sunderland are in pre-season action on Thursday when they travel to Darlington.