Aston Villa’s Marc Albrighton tells of thrill at playing for boyhood heroes

Sep 25 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

AVID Villa fan Marc Albrighton has expressed his excitement at being handed a three-year contract extension by his boyhood club.

Albrighton was Villa’s surprise star during the summer’s Peace Cup triumph and has made cameo appearances against Wigan and Cardiff.

“It’s a great day,” said the 19-year-old winger. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this and to get this contract extension is another step forward in my career.

“It’s finally come and to take that extra step, I am delighted.”

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“It is such a difference to playing in front of 200 or 300 people at a reserve game or about 50 people at a youth team game.

“It just gives you an extra buzz, especially as a Villa fan. It is what I have dreamed of all my life and for it to finally come – to play against Wigan and Cardiff – it is a dream come true.”

Villa manager Martin O’Neill is pleased to have tied Albrighton down on a longer deal after predicting a bright future for the Tamworth-born starlet.

“I couldn’t be more delighted that Marc has signed his new contract,” said O’Neill. “He has a real chance of becoming a top quality Premier League player.

“I am absolutely delighted he has committed himself to us.”

Meanwhile, Marlon Harewood has finally agreed a three-month loan move to Newcastle and is poised to make his debut against Ipswich in the Championship tomorrow.

Harewood has been frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities at Villa after just nine starts and 31 substitute appearances in the two years since his £4 million arrival from West Ham.