GREAT Sankey footballer Matt Pennington has signed a new three-year contract with Everton.

The 23-year-old, a former pupil of St Gregory’s High School, has penned a deal that will keep him at Goodison Park until 2021.

“I am delighted with my new contract,” he told Everton’s club website.

“This is the club I have been at since I was a little boy and I am excited to extend my stay here.

“It’s great to see some of the young lads like Tom Davies and Jonjoe Kenny getting opportunities.

“These are players who I have come through the ranks with and to see them playing in the first team is great and gives me inspiration.”

Pennington, who played for Matthiola and Warrington Schoolboys as a junior, has spent this season on loan at Leeds United and made 22 appearances for the Championship side.

He has made seven appearances for the Everton first team and scored in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield last season.

Pennington has also enjoyed loan spells at Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall.