The younger brother of Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has signed his first professional contract with the club, reports the Birmingham Mail. Gary, who like Craig plays in midfield, admitted he was "over the moon" after putting pen to paper on his two year deal.

"I am absolutely delighted - over the moon. It's so good to get it all sorted," he said.

"Now it's up to me to keep working hard in training and reserve matches and hope to catch the gaffer's eye.

"This is, without doubt, the best moment of my career so far. It is such a great club and I love being here. I have been here for 10 years and it's great to continue that association."

Gardner Junior,17, who played alongside his brother in the recent 1-0 win for Villa reserves over Wolves, admitted it was also a proud moment for his family who still live in Yardley where the boys grew up.

"My family is so proud of me and I'm thrilled to sign the contract. Craig is pleased for me and he's been a big inspiration in my career so far.

"I look up to him and after every game he watches I ask him what I have done right and what I've done wrong. He is my role model."