Aston Villa have rewarded promising midfielder Chris Herd with a new long-term contract.
The 22-year old Australian has signed a four-year deal with the West Midlands club which will keep him at Villa Park until 2015.
Herd, who had 18 months remaining on his initial deal, was delighted to put pen to paper and is now keen to continue improving under Alex McLeish.
"When we came back for pre-season the gaffer said he would give anyone a chance who deserves it and hopefully I can repay him and keep improving.
"Coming through the ranks the fans have been great for me, both home and away - and I really appreciate it.
"Growing up here, coming through the youth team, the reserves and then eventually the first team, they see that and they are happy about that to see youth players coming through.""I am really happy to have signed a new contract and I'm pleased that I'm going to be here for the next four years," he told Villa's official website.
