The 19-year-old has penned the new deal after breaking into Steve Bruce's plans this season.

The emerging youngster made his Black Cats debut under Roy Keane last season before enjoying a successful stint on loan at Coventry City in the second half of the campaign.

first goals

Following Bruce's appointment as manager over the summer, Henderson has established himself in the first-team set-up.

He has made nine appearances for Sunderland in all competitions this term and scored his first goal for the club in the recent Carling Cup win over Birmingham City.

The Black Cats have now rewarded the promising midfielder with a contract which ties him to the Stadium of Light until 2013.

The club have also confirmed that talks are ongoing with a further two players regarding signing extensions on Wearside.