Aston Villa's teenage German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has pledged his future to the Premiership club by signing a new three-year contract.

The 19-year-old, who was recently handed his first Premiership start by boss Graham Taylor, has committed himself to Villa until the summer of 2005.

The German Under-21 international could have left the club on a free transfer this summer due to a clause in his old contract.

"I have been impressed with Thomas since I took over as manager and the signs are there that he has a bright future at Villa park," Taylor told the club's official website.

Taylor is now hoping to tie up England Under-21 left-back Jlloyd Samuel on a new deal.

The 20-year-old, who made his England Under-21 debut against Italy at Bradford City on Tuesday, has been offered a new four-year contract.

Taylor is keen to get as many of his young players as possible on long-term contracts.