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Kevin Toner will be offered a fresh new contract at Aston Villa as reward for his recent breakthrough into the first-team.

The 19-year-old has started the last two Premier League games and looks set to extend his stay at the club as discussions start.

Villa have drawn up a new deal with fresh terms and Toner is expected to sign in the coming weeks.

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It marks an incredible turnaround for the defender who was heading for the exit door under former manager Remi Garde.

Just a few months ago he was Villa’s SIXTH choice centre-half and after a loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers he returned to the Under-21 set-up with his long-term future up in the air.

It’s thought the Republic of Ireland youth international was on the verge of being released as Villa were in no hurry to take up a one-year option which was written into his current deal.

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But impressive performances against Watford and Newcastle have sparked the club into life and now they’re determined to keep hold of him.

Over in his homeland Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers were keeping a close eye on his situation but have now given up hope of landing the youngster.

Toner is expected to start against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium as Villa complete their Premier League season on Sunday.