Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that young striker Nathan Delfouneso has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The England U18 international has signed a deal which will keep him at Villa Park until 2010 and the Villa boss is delighted to be keeping hold of one of his hottest prospects.

"I thought his performances in the youth team games this year have been excellent," O'Neill told the club's official website.

"It's a matter of keeping his feet on the ground but he does seem like he is a level headed young man. He can play though, make no mistake."