Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Villa defender Bouma signs new two-year deal

Aston Villa have secured the future of Dutch defender Wilfred Bouma by tying him down to a new two-year deal.

JohnWalton/Empics

The Dutchman has suffered with injury

The left-back, currently on the sidelines after dislocating his right ankle during Villa's summer InterToto campaign, impressed in his second season at the club and was rewarded with a one-year addition on his old deal over the summer.

Now the Dutch star has joined Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew in committing his future to the club.

Manager Martin O'Neill claimed last week that a deal was close to being agreed and has also stated his ambition to sign winger Ashley Young up to an improved contract.

Meanwhile, Villa defender Curtis Davies believes the addition of Carlos Cuellar from Rangers will only be good for the club.

Although the Spaniard is direct competition for former Luton man Davies, the 23-year-old thinks with European football on the cards O'Neill needs as many bodies as possible.

"I am delighted Carlos has come in. We needed to bolster the squad, particularly with our European aspirations as well as our domestic hopes this season," he stated.

"We want to do well in all competitions. If we went into the campaign with only five recognised defenders in myself, Zat Knight, Martin Laursen, Nicky Shorey and Luke Young, then it would have looked a bit light.

"If one got injured, there's not much cover. Carlos has come in and that makes the whole set-up look more secure. It also provides competition for places. It keeps you on your toes.

"I need to concentrate on my game, step up my performances and hope he doesn't take my place in the team."


source: soccernet

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