New deal served up for Butler

Sunderland boss Peter Reid at last had something to celebrate today as one of his most promising talents committed himself to the club.

Reid has spent much of the summer being frustrated in his efforts to bring new blood into the club to refresh a squad which struggled badly last season.

His ambitious bid to land Leeds United striker Robbie Keane foundered when the player decided instead to stay and fight for his place at Elland Road, increasing the pressure on the manager from fans who had seen their hopes of a charge towards European qualification last season dissolve into a fight against relegation.

The club’s summer rebuilding so far - they have secured the services of experienced defender Phil Babb, teenage midfielder Sean Thornton and Norwegian international goalkeeper Thomas Myhre, all on free transfers - has yet to spark any real excitement on Wearside, although Reid is confident he has done good business with all three.

He is continuing to work behind the scenes to clinch big-name signings, with Derby’s Malcolm Christie and Espanyol frontman Raul Tamudo among those with whom he has been linked in recent weeks.

But in the meantime, he can at least comfort himself with the knowledge he will have young midfielder Thomas Butler at his disposal once again after the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international signed a new three-year deal.

Butler’s previous contract expired during the summer and as negotiations stalled, it looked as though his future could lie away from the Stadium of Light.

However, The 21-year-old, who has been heavily involved in the club’s pre-season campaign to date, today ended the speculation by putting pen to paper on a contract which will keep him on Wearside until the summer of 2005.

The exciting midfielder made his Premiership debut at Charlton last season and showed superb form when on first-team duty later in the campaign.

Now he has set his sights of forcing his way into Reid’s plans for the new season and making his mark in the Premiership.

"I’m glad to get everything sorted out and I’m looking forward to the start of the season," he said.

"I got a taste of Premiership football at the end of last season and I’m hoping to impress the manager and try to get into the side.

"Talks have gone on for a while and I’m delighted everything is now done."

Reid was delighted to have finally secured the future of one of his most talented young stars.

"Thomas is a very promising young player and we’re delighted to have secured his services for the next three years," he said.

"He has played well during our pre-season and I’m expecting him to become a full international soon."

Ballymun-born Butler joined Sunderland as a trainee and got his first taste of senior action during the 1999-2000 season.

Meanwhile, Reid was a relieved man today after learning that the groin injury which forced star striker Kevin Phillips to limp out of last night’s 1-1 friendly draw with Royal Antwerp in Belgium is not serious.

The 29-year-old will probably be rested for the final leg of the Belgian tour against KAA Gent on Saturday, but the problem is not thought to be linked to the one which resulted in surgery at the end of last season.

"It’s not related to the other injuries, although it’s on the same part of his body," said Reid.

"He felt it when he jumped for the ball and we decided to err on the side of caution and take him off. It’s nothing serious, although we’ll probably not risk him on Saturday."