Bouma happy with deal

Aston Villa defender Wilfried Bouma is delighted with the faith manager Martin O'Neill has shown in him. Bouma sustained a terrible injury in pre-season against Odense, but has now signed a new deal at Villa Park.

"I am very happy," Bouma told the club's official website. "I've signed this new contract when I'm still injured, so that shows a lot of faith in me.

"That has given me a real confidence boost. It was difficult when I first signed for the club because I wasn't playing, but the new manager has brought the best out of me.

"He knows what is necessary to get me playing well. I was in the best form of my life before I got injured, but I have come back strong after past injuries and I will do that again."