Aston Villa manager David O'Leary has criticised Mark Delaney over his demands for a new long-term contract. Said O'Leary: "I hear that Mark is saying his loyalty is being questioned and I am very shocked by that.
"We've a lad here who has got a season and a quarter left of his contract plus the club having a extra year's option that they could take up."
He added: "I don't really know what the problem is. Nobody gives people deals with two-and-a-quarter years left."
Wales international Delaney joined Villa six years ago from Cardiff City and has been one of the club's most consistent performers.
The 28-year-old wants to secure his long-term future at the club by signing for another four or five years.
He said: "I'm told I'm first choice by the manager and yet no-one is prepared to give me a new contract. I have asked the manager for help and he has declined."
O'Leary believes it is too soon for Delaney to worry about securing a new deal.
"I find it hard what Mark is saying, that he wants to sign a five-year deal," said O'Leary.
"Those things don't go on anymore. He is getting paid good money. I can't understand that one really.
"I think two-and-a-quarter years in this day and age is a long contract. I think it is very early to talk about new contracts."
MMIX
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I think it is very early to talk about new contracts