Aston Villa have announced that defender Nathan Baker has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
Baker joined the Midlands club at the age of 13, and progressed through the ranks before making his full debut in a 2-1 Premier League win over Wigan in 2011.
The 22-year-old has since established himself as a regular at Villa Park, and made 25 top-flight starts as Paul Lambert s side narrowly avoided relegation in 2012-13.
Having penned a new contract, Baker is now hopeful that his development can continue.
I m really happy to have signed and for my future to be with Villa, he told the club s official website.
It s an exciting time and, because I ve come through the academy as well, it s something that s really special to me, something that hopefully I can use as an inspiration in the future.
Next season and in the seasons after that I can hopefully repay everyone for how they ve been with me.
Lambert, whose arrival from Norwich brought Baker increased first-team opportunities, praised the England Under-21 international s attitude during a difficult season for Villa.
For any player here at Aston Villa, the goal is always to strive to be the best you can and to keep improving as an individual within the team, he said.
Nathan has demonstrated courage and real willing and he s contributed to the team and these qualities will underpin his efforts going into the new season.
