Barry Bannan signs new Aston Villa deal

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has completed a memorable week by signing a new three-and-a-half year contract with the midlands club.

The 20-year-old has committed himself to Villa until the summer of 2014 after showing impressive form under new manager Gerard Houllier.

Bannan made his debut for Scotland in midweek against the Faroe Islands.

Bannan follows other Villa youngsters in Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark in signing a new deal.

Bannan said: "Everything this season has been unbelievable. I could never have imagined it going so well for me.

"To get the deal is icing on the cake really.

"I knew I was capable of playing the way I have been playing and it was just about getting the chance.

"When Kevin MacDonald (caretaker manager) came in and took over I was in and around things, playing in Europe, and that was a big boost for me.

"From there, I have really kicked on. The new gaffer (Houllier) has come in and really taken to me. I've had chances and I've taken them.

"It's all come around so quickly, I haven't really had chance to think about it. It's just been an unbelievable start.

"I am over the moon to be at the club. It's one of the biggest in the country. "

Bannan added: "To be here and handed a new contract is unbelievable. It's a pleasure to be in and around a club like this.

"I'd sign my life away probably here the way it's going at the moment. It's fantastic."

Bannan is relishing playing alongside Albrighton and Clark who, like himself, came through the Villa academy.

He said: "We've all grown up together and we're best of mates on and off the pitch.

"To be given the chance to play in the biggest league in the world alongside each other and contribute to the team is just unbelievable.

"A few years ago we were training together in the under-14s and the under-15s.

"Then it was about going out and enjoying yourself. Now we're performing on the big stage."