Ciaran Clark has agreed a new deal at Aston Villa, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2014.
The former England Under-18, U-19 and U-20 captain, who recently declared for the Republic of Ireland, has established himself in the Villa first team squad and is excited about the future for a club he joined as a 12-year-old schoolboy.
"I'm delighted to sign a new deal and commit my future to the club," Clark said.
"I feel I'm at a football club that is progressing and provides an environment in which the young players coming through all want to excel.
"The likes of Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Nathan Delfouneso, Eric Lichaj, we've all come through together and this underlines the quality of the youth structure at the club.
"It's a great feeling for me to be signing a new deal because it's what I've worked for since I first came here - to be a part of the team and to contribute what I can to a great football club."
Clark started at the heart of defence in the opening game of the season, a 3-0 victory over West Ham, and he has featured in both Carling Cup victories to date under new manager Gerard Houllier, who had no hesitation in bringing on the 21-year-old early in the Premier League game against Chelsea when Richard Dunne came off injured.
"I know that the gaffer wants to see me continuing to improve and I'm looking forward to working hard over the next few years," Clark added.
"I feel at home at the club and it would be fantastic to be a part of the success which all the lads here are striving for."
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