Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry is poised to sign a new contract with the club.

The 20-year old Perth-born Lowry is due to return to Villa Park from a loan spell at Championship club Plymouth Argyle and Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keen to secure him with a long-term deal.

Lowry is keen to play first team football to enhance his World Cup chances and O'Neill will allow to go back out on loan with Plymouth keen to take him again.

But Sheffield United have also expressed interest in the once-capped Socceroo who represented Ireland at U17 and U21 level.