Isaiah tipped to be big hit

Martin O'Neill has tipped Villa prospect Isaiah Osbourne for a bright future as the midfielder prepared to sign a new three-year contract today.

The 18-year-old was due to pen a deal to keep him at the club until 2010.

Osbourne is the latest Academy recruit to make the grade and has made nine appearances after his debut against Fulham on October 21.

He was one of seven homegrown players who figured in the Boxing Day defeat at Tottenham and boss O'Neill believes the Brummie teenager can follow in the footsteps of captain Gareth Barry, Gary Cahill, Liam Ridgewell, Steven Davis, Craig Gardner and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

All six have signed long term deals to keep them at Villa Park.

"Isaiah has done very well. His hero is Patrick Vieira - not a bad one to aspire to!" said O'Neill.

"I like him. He's really decent. He's learning his trade here and he's a good lad too. His whole approach to the game is refreshing.

"He's got good natural ability which is encouraging.

"It's very early for him, but just keep an eye out for him. I think he can do a bit.

"Hopefully over the course of the next couple of seasons, I think there could be a player there."

Osbourne said: "It's taken a while for me to make an impression but I'm glad to have done so at last."

"I had hoped to have been more involved last season but that chance didn't come. Now I'm showing the gaffer what I can do.