Out-of-favour Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has signed a three-year contract extension with Sheffield United

It was thought the 29-year-old might consider leaving following the club's Premiership relegation last season.   Roy Keane's Sunderland were thought to be among those monitoring his situation.

But new Sheffield manager Brian Robson has convinced Kenny that his future lies with the Championship club until 2010.

"Paddy is happy to be playing with Sheffield United and I believe I've got probably the best goalkeeper in the division.

"There was a lot of paper talk about Premier League clubs sniffing around but he is first and foremost our player."

Kenny joins compatriots and fellow internationals Alan Quinn and Derek Geary in agreeing new deals at Bramall Lane.

Last week the Dublin pair put-pen-to-paper on one-year extensions, keeping them in place until 2010.

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has not considered Kenny for recent squads owing to the goalkeeper's personal circumstances and injuries.