Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis has agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Midlands club.

Davis will formally put pen to paper on the new deal this afternoon which will keep him at Villa Park until at least the summer of 2009.

The Northern Ireland midfielder has earned a double-your-money contract after his outstanding performances since breaking into the first team 13 months ago.

Davis, who will be 21 next month, initially earned his chance because of injuries and suspensions.

But he is now one of the first names on Villa manager David O'Leary's team sheet and his decision to commit himself to Villa is a major tonic ahead of the hectic festive programme.

Davis is understood to be attracting interest from Manchester United, although O'Leary insists he has had no contact from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has also praised Davis, who played a major part in the shock 1-0 victory over England in September.

O'Leary likened Davis to another of his young proteges in Alan Smith whom he worked with at Leeds United.

The Villa chief said: 'Steven listens to everything and is determined to learn and Alan Smith was exactly the same.

'Nothing was too much effort for him. He would train morning, noon and night and Steven is just like him.

'The fans are also pleased to see a young lad come through the ranks and get into the side and they really appreciate him.'

O'Leary, however, is quick to play down comparisons made by Sanchez earlier in the year between Davis and England midfielder Frank Lampard.

He said: 'Frank Lampard is possibly the best player in the world in his position right now - so Steven has got a bit to go yet!

'We shouldn't be burdening him with such tags yet but he can go places alright.'