Shane Lowry signed a new two-year deal with Aston Villa - on the day he was selected in Australia's provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup, reports the club's official website. The 20-year-old defender was also named in the 31-man party for the summer showpiece by manager Pim Verbeek.

Lowry, who originally signed for Villa in February 2005, had loan spells at both Plymouth and Leeds United last season.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted.

"It's been a decent season for me. I made my debut for the Villa first team in the Europa League against Rapid Vienna and also managed to get some Football League experience under my belt too with Plymouth and Leeds. And then there's been the World Cup squad announcement too.