Australian Chris Herd wants to continue improving after signing a four-year contract at Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The utility, deployed at right-back and then central midfield this English Premier League campaign, had 18 months remaining on his current deal before signing a new deal.
Herd, 22, earned man of the match honours against Wolves in August, and has been closing in on a first Socceroos cap.
Villa boss Alex McLeish has been delighted with his form, and the Perth-born Herd, who missed his side's 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday because of an ankle injury, said he wanted to continue impressing.
"I am really happy to have signed a new contract and I'm pleased that I'm going to be here for the next four years," Herd said.
"When we came back for pre-season the gaffer said he would give anyone a chance who deserves it and hopefully I can repay him and keep improving."
"Coming through the ranks the fans have been great for me, both home and away - and I really appreciate it."
"Growing up here, coming through the youth team, the reserves and then eventually the first team, they see that and they are happy about that to see youth players coming through."
McLeish has said Herd, who is eligible to play for Scotland as both of his parents are from there, is 'worth his weight in gold' because of the drive, energy and power he brings to Villa.
Herd joined Villa's youth set-up in 2005 before progressing to the senior team after loan spells at Port Vale, Wycombe Wanderers and Lincoln City.