Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark signs new five-year contract

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The 25-year-old has made nearly 140 appearances for Villa since graduating from their academy in 2008.

Clark, who has won 11 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scored one goal in 29 games last season.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to sign a new contract," he told the club's official website. "I've been at Aston Villa since I was a kid and I want to continue to play for this fantastic football club.

"Everyone is looking forward to the new season and I'm delighted to be going into the opening game on Saturday knowing my long-term future has been sorted."

Aston Villa start the new Premier League season on Saturday when they travel to Bournemouth.