Austrian striker Andreas Weimann boosts Aston Villa by signing new contract

Austrian international striker Andreas Weimann gave last season's Premier League strugglers Aston Villa a much needed morale boost on Monday by signing a new three-year contract.

The 21-year-old - who has been at Villa since he was 15 - scored 12 goals last season which helped Villa preserve their status among the elite after struggling for long periods.

His goals also earned him the appreciation of manager Paul Lambert, who preferred him to England striker Darren Bent as a strike partner for Belgian star Christian Benteke.

"I'm really happy that I've signed. I love the club and it's been brilliant for me, for I have a feeling of being at home here at Aston Villa," he said.

"I've been here for six seasons now, having started with the academy in 2006, and last season was tremendous for me and terrific for the team the way we played over the second half of a really demanding campaign.

"The last several months of the season we played really well and got better and better as the season went on. Hopefully, we can continue on like we finished and that will be the challenge.

"I feel like I owe the manager and the club because the manager backed me last season after he came in and I have always felt comfortable and really supported at the club."

Lambert, who moved to Villa from Norwich last year, said Weimann's tireless enthusiasm and attitude had paid off in his performances for the club.

"Andi has shown a great work ethic and that's the big thing about him, along with his quality," said Lambert.

"He has drive and a hunger to succeed and that's vital. That's what we're looking for here at Villa.

"He got a sustained run at it last season and he showed the quality that marks him out as a natural finisher."