Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert admitted it was a “major coup” to tie midfielder Fabian Delph down to a new long-term contract.
The England international’s future at Villa Park has been in doubt, with his previous deal expiring next summer.
Liverpool were among the clubs linked with the 25-year-old, but the Villans announced the ex-Leeds star had pledged his future to the club with a new four-and-a-half year deal.
And Lambert credited Delph’s decision, claiming his introduction to the England squad could have tempted the player away from the club.
“I knew what was happening for a little bit but forget everything else, for Aston Villa Football Club that is a major coup,” said Lambert. “How many millions would it take to replace Fabian?
“To replace him would have cost an absolute arm and leg. Staying shows his commitment to the football club and I’m delighted that he is going to stay.
“The thing about Fabian is that he has been catapulted into the England squad and quite rightly so because of the way he has been playing.
“When you go away with the National teams, you hear about different things going on from guys at different clubs and it can, probably, turn his head a little bit.
“But all credit to him. The football club stood by him when he was injured and he has obviously given us something back. He has a massive future ahead of him.”
Delph’s announcement came ten minutes prior to Villa’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, but it was new team-mate Carles Gil who inspired the Premier League club to victory.
The 22-year-old Spaniard produced a stunning strike in the second half to steer Lambert’s side into the fifth round, which the former Norwich manager hailed as “world class”.
“He is a real talented footballer and it was a world class goal,” added Lambert. “He has given everybody a lift, that’s what new players do for you.
“He is a terrific guy and I thought his goal and performance was excellent. I was right behind it [the goal] and you don’t see many better than that, that’s for sure. He is very difficult to play against.
“He is a typical Spanish player, very hard to get the ball off and he has only been here a week. It was a big performance from him and his goal was world class.”
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