Ciaran Clark signs new Aston Villa contract

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has signed a new three-year contract with the club.

The deal will see Clark committed to Villa until the summer of 2016 and the Republic of Ireland international has revealed his eagerness to begin the new Premier League season.

"This season will be another tough challenge but we have the players and we have a good young squad, everyone is hungry for it, we're working as hard as we can and we can't wait to start," Clark is quoted as saying to Sky Sports News.

"I've been here since I was 12 years old, progressing from the younger teams through the youth team along with players such as Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and another couple who have just signed new deals in Nathan Baker and Andreas Weimann.

"It's great that we've all managed to come through together and there's a bond there with this club that's as close as family to us lads especially.

"It's what every young lad dreams about, to be able to play for a club like Aston Villa."

Clark made 27 appearances in the Premier League last season.