Dwight Yorke has signed a new one-year deal with Sunderland. The 36-year-old, who had been linked with a return to Australia with Sydney FC, has played a key role for the club in his two seasons on Wearside and admitted the decision to stay was an easy one.

He said: "It has been a tremendous two years for me at Sunderland. I have got to know the players and the staff and the fans have been great to me.

"In the end, it was a straightforward decision. I had one or two things to think about and I knew I needed to make a decision. Once the manager gave me the thumbs up, it was easy to sign."

Yorke joined the Black Cats from Sydney FC during August 2006 as Keane made six deadline-day signings after taking the manager's job.

He helped the club regain its top-flight status at the first attempt, making 21 appearances throughout the campaign.

Keane said: "Yorkie's experience on and off the pitch has been invaluable to us. He's a great character to have in the dressing room and around the training ground and he will have a part to play for us next season."