The 28-year-old Welshman has started 25 of the club's 28 games so far this season at either left-back or centre-half and has proved himself a key member of the team under both Roy Keane and his successor, Ricky Sbragia.

Collins, who will now remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the 2010-11 season, told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "I'm happy here and it's good to sign for another few seasons. I think the club is going places."

The Wales international joined the Black Cats for a bargain £140,000 from Chester in October 2004 and has since made 143 appearances.

He becomes the second player to commit his future to the club this week following striker Kenwyne Jones' decision to sign a new four and a half-year deal.