Hogg signs new Villa deal

Hogg: Bright future

Jonathan Hogg has become the latest Aston Villa youngster to sign a contract extension with the club.

Skysports.com reported last week that the midfielder, who turned 22 on Monday, was set to be rewarded with a new deal after breaking into the Villa first team this season.

And the club have now confirmed that Hogg has agreed to stay until 2013, following close friends and fellow youth products Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark in pledging his future to Villa.

The Middlesbrough-born youngster made five appearances on loan at Darlington last season and has been handed five starts for Villa this term after overcoming two lengthy lay-offs due to problems with his right knee.

"I've worked hard to get to this point and I know I have to continue to work hard if I want to keep improving," he told the club's official website.

"I love the club and I'm delighted to be here and playing a part in what we're trying to achieve.

Tight-knit

"I've been here since I was 15, 16 years old and I've come through the ranks alongside Marc, Ciaran and Barry.

"We're all very close because we've played in the youth team together, the reserves and now with the first team.

"When you're tight like we are, you really want each other to do well and maybe we've pushed one another on along the way."