Wilfred Bouma: We'll get new Villa deal sorted

Feb 11 2008 By Bill Howell

WILFRED Bouma rejoiced in his first Villa goal in 76 appearances and then admitted he believes Martin O'Neill will sort out his future at the club.

The 29-year-old Dutch defender is out of contract in the summer but Villa hold a one-year extension - but they must inform him by the beginning of April that they intend to take it up.

Bouma has emerged as something of a crowd favourite this year as an ever-present in the Premier League.

And he says he has no worries about the issue of a new deal.

"The only thing I know is that there is something in my contract for another year,'' he said.

"At the moment I am happy here. If the manager has said he will sort it out, he will sort it out.

"He did it with the other players. I am in a good position, so I am not worried.

"I know he is pleased with me or he wouldn't pick me.

"The club are in a good position as well, so at the end of the day I have that option, so we will see. But as I say, I am not worried.

"Also the team are winning and I have stayed away from injuries, which kept me out of the team at the beginning. But that is over now."

Bouma was over-joyed to finally break his scoring duck in the 4-1 win over Newcastle, having arrived at the club as a goalscoring defender from PSV Eindhoven after being converted from a striker.

He said: "I've waited a long time for that, but it was nice - especially in a match where we were struggling.

"I am delighted. I never expected my first goal for Villa to be with my right foot but it was a great feeling.

"It was strange because it has been a while since I scored.

"And in front of the Holte End too. The next time it happens, maybe in 18 months, then I will celebrate just as much!"