Fabian Delph has revealed that he is hoping to sign a new contract at Aston Villa, and that he would "love" to see out his playing days at the Midlands club.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a pivotal part of Paul Lambert's midfield, starting all eight of their Premier League matches this season, but his time at Villa Park was initially blighted by injuries.

Now that the worst of his fitness problems are hopefully behind him, Delph has thanked Villans owner Randy Lerner for his patience and support, and urged the American to offer him a contract extension.

"I'd love to be here for the rest of my career, but that's not up to me," he told reporters. "I'm sure if I stay fit, which is a big thing for me, then hopefully I might be offered a new contract.

"For me it's about staying fit and helping my team-mates and just repaying people back. Randy, the chairman here, has been brilliant. Every time I've got injured he's been positive with me.

"He owns the club and if I'm injured what good am I? I personally feel like I went missing for a few years. He always takes time to ask how I am and tells me what he thinks I can do better and how I can push on."

Delph, who was signed from Leeds United for £6m in 2009, but later loaned back to the Elland Road outfit, is currently committed to Villa until the summer of 2015.