Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has put pen-to-paper on a new three-and-a-half-year contract.
Villa youngster commits to cause
Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has put pen-to-paper on a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene this season after being given his chance by former caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, and has continued to flourish under Gerard Houllier.
Bannan has made six appearances in the Premier League for Villa this term and has now committed to the club until the summer of 2014.
It marks a significant week for the youngster as he made his Scotland debut against the Faroe Islands on Tuesday.
Bannan has had previous loan spells with Derby County and Blackpool, helping the Seasiders to Championship promotion via the play-offs last season.
He told the club's
official website: "I am over the moon. Everything this season has been unbelievable. I could never have imagined it going so well for me.
"I knew I was capable of playing the way I have been playing and it was just about getting the chance.
"When Kev came in and took over I was in and around things, playing in Europe, and that was a big boost for me. From there I have really kicked on.
"The new gaffer has come in and really taken to me. I've had chances and I've taken them.
"It's all come around so quickly, I haven't really had a chance to think about it. It's just been an unbelievable start.
"For me to get a new contract is brilliant. I'd sign my life away probably here the way it's going at the moment. It's fantastic."
Bannan will be in Villa's squad for the clash with Blackburn in the league on Sunday after starting against Manchester United last time out.
