Aston Villa starlet Nathan Delfouneso has signed a new contract which will keep him with the midlands club until the summer of 2012. The 18-year-old, who scored twice for Villa in the UEFA Cup last season, has put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "I couldn't be more pleased. Nathan is a great talent and has real natural ability.

"He is ready. He is pushing on very strongly now even though you consider he is still very young.

"He has everything going for him. If he keeps learning, he's got a really good chance.

"I wouldn't want to put a great deal of pressure on him but, in terms of natural talent and strength and ability to go past players, I think he's got it all. The rest is up to him."

O'Neill added: "He is a great, great talent and I am absolutely delighted to have him here.

"He has been around the first team. I hope when he gets his opportunity - in the not too distant future - he can grab it.

"I have seen a few players in the past with great, great talent disappear at 21, 22 but I don't think that's in his nature.

"He really wants it and I think he has that determination about him. The football club will see the benefits in the next few years."