The England U21 forward Marc Albrighton has signed a contract extension to keep him at Aston Villa until 2014.

Albrighton, 20, broke into Villa's first team this season and has been rewarded with the three-and-a-half year contract.

Gerard Houllier, the Villa manager, said: "Marc has stepped up very well to the first team. Everything is about attitude - and his is an example to everyone.

"[Villa's reserve team coach] Kevin McDonald told me his workrate was fantastic, that his attitude and effort were an example.

"When you have the talent and the attitude, the commitment, looking after yourself, working hard in games, it means a lot. He enjoys playing."

Albrighton has made 18 appearances for Villa's first team since making his debut in the Europa League defeat to Spartak Moscow in February 2009.