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Former AC Milan defender Laursen was still dogged by knee problems when Martin O'Neill took over at Villa Park in 2007, but he has been ever present in this campaign, notching up an impressive tally of six goals.

"He is a great lad but more than that he has the heart the size of a lion," O'Neill said.

O'Neill admits that he felt Laursen's best days may have been behind him when he arrived at the club.

"You would have been hard pressed to find anyone to believe Martin would have made the impact that he has done for Villa this season," the former Celtic boss said.

"But that is down to him although I think the medical staff have also helped him as well."

O'Neill added: "This has had nothing to do anymore with him having to prove himself in terms of staying free from injury and he has played three times a week consistently.

"Anyone can get injured at any given moment, but he has proved himself and deserves a new contract."

Jermain Defoe meanwhile was reported to have held talks with O'Neill after being told he can leave Tottenham by their new coach, Juande Ramos.

The size of the transfer fee involved could however prove to be a sticking point with Spurs believed to be holding out for a £10 million pound payment.

O'Neill wants to increase his options in attack because of uncertainty over the future of Luke Moore, who has rejected the club's offer of a new contract, and injury worries surrounding Norwegian John Carew.

The Ulsterman also has Marlon Harewood in his squad but the former West Ham striker has yet to make an impact at Villa.

Reuters