Martin Laursen pleased to have signed new Aston Villa deal

Jan 18 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN Laursen spoke if his relief at netting a new two-and-a-half year contract at Villa – because it has ended his sleepless nights.

"It had affected me mentally - I haven't slept well some nights because it's been a big thing and I've been thinking about it a lot", said the deefender who celebrated his deal back home in Denmark with his parents.

"It hasn't affected me too much when I've played but it's been a big thing in my head because it's something I wanted.

"Now I can focus solely on the football."

Laursen says Villa are on the up and up as they prepare for Monday's trip to Anfield.

"I'm also delighted because the club are moving in the right direction," he said.

"We have some great potential with the young players here and I really enjoy working with the manager and his staff.

"I have a really good relationship with them all and I believe we can really achieve something if we keep the squad together and add to the squad.

"The top four are the top four at the moment, but we're playing brilliant football and I think we can qualify for the UEFA Cup this season if we keep doing the same and keep our feet on the ground."