The 22-year-old Perth-born utility has had a breakout season at Villa, starting their past seven matches and has been rewarded with a deal which will keep him in Birmingham until 2015.

Villa boss Alex McLeish told the Daily Mail: "Chris is in the team because he has deserved a chance. He has been a good anchor man in the team. He keeps the game simple.

"He's shown that you can force your way in, and I want other players who are willing to kick the door down and make me pick them.

"That was the message I gave to all of them at the start of the season, and that is what Chris has done."

Herd, who was recently called up for Socceroos duty but withdrew from the squad due to injury, did have 18 months remaining on his current contract.

McLeish added: "He's a whole-hearted boy. He has fantastic application. He trains like a beast every day and is a good role model to any player in terms of his attitude.

"He is improving all the time, and that's partly because he's getting first team football."