Aston Villa have announced that manager Paul Lambert has signed a contract extension until June 2018.

The Scotsman, who was first appointed as the club's manager in 2012, has committed his future to the Midlands outfit after the team's best start to a season in 16 years.

Villa are currently second in the Premier League table after recording one draw and three victories in their opening four games, the latest of which resulted in a 1-0 win over Liverpool.

"I'm determined that we continue building the club to where we all want it to be," said Lambert. "This is a massive football club, a fantastic football club. We can look to the future with real optimism and a determination to make this season successful, and the seasons that follow."

Chief executive Tom Fox added: "Paul and [owner Randy Lerner] had been in discussions regarding this move when I came on board and we concluded our agreement last week."

This season, Lambert has been working alongside assistant coach Roy Keane.