Delfouneso is highly-rated by Villa boss Martin O'Neill

Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso has signed a new deal which ties him to the club until the summer of 2012.

Delfouneso scored twice in last season's Uefa Cup and the deal is a two-year extension to the teenager's current agreement.

"I couldn't be more pleased. Nathan is a great talent and has real natural ability," Villa manager Martin O'Neill said of the 18-year-old.

"I hope when he gets his chance in the not too distant future he can grab it."

O'Neill added: "He is ready. He is pushing on very strongly now even though you consider he is still very young.

"He has everything going for him. If he keeps learning, he's got a really good chance.

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"I wouldn't want to put a great deal of pressure on him but, in terms of natural talent and strength and ability to go past players, I think he's got it all. The rest is up to him."

The manager did add a note of caution over the player's development, with Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, Emile Heskey and Ashley Young all established regulars.

But O'Neill believes Delfouneso - who has made 14 appearances so far - has what it takes to make a lasting impact at Villa Park.

"I have seen a few players in the past with great, great talent disappear at 21, 22 but I don't think that's in his nature," he added.

"He really wants it and I think he has that determination about him. The football club will see the benefits in the next few years."

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