Vladimir Weiss has signed a new contract that keeps him at City until 2012.

The Slovakian International winger, who is heading for the World Cup this summer, scored with his first goal for the Blues against Arsenal last month.

The 20-year-old is yet to make a full Premier League start but is more than happy to put his name to a long-term agreement.

“I have been here for four years now and I came here to realise my first team ambitions.  I am delighted to have signed this contract”, he declared.

“I am excited about what the future holds and delighted that even with the players that City have got now, the club have given me the opportunity to progress and show that not only the big players can make it.

“The new deal shows that young players from the academy can progress.  I am happy that I am one of them.

 

I look at Stephen Ireland, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Micah Richards and Nedum Onouha and think ‘why not me?’.  I can be the next one from the Academy to progress.

...Vladimir Weiss

 

“I talk to Stephen Ireland quite a lot because for me he is an example to follow.  I try to take as much information as possible from him.  He is an incredible player who has made it and I hope I will be the next one.”

City chief, Mark Hughes, was equally pleased to have secured the young wide-man’s long-term services.

“Vladi has come on leaps and bounds in the last four months and is fast maturing as a player,” he praised.

“He has all the attributes that electrify crowds and that can turn matches.  He has shown he has the temperament for big games and we look forward to his further development.”