Defender Luke Young has backed Villa to cope without his suspended namesake Ashley at Portsmouth – despite hailing him as one of the “top three or four players” in the Premier League.

The full-back returns to the squad at Fratton Park after an absence of his own after suspension and may feature, as Martin O’Neill’s side aim to make it a club record six straight away wins in one season.

The former Middlesbrough defender reckon the team will survive without the England winger, but admits it is a blow.

The £6million summer signing also reckons the wide man could be well on his way to his next accolade, the PFA Player Of The Year award.

The defender said: “Right now he has to be in the top three or four in the whole league, so if he can continue his form to the end of the year, I don’t see why not.

“Whether he is a big enough name for it, that’s the only problem you come up against and whether people want to vote for you.

“He will be a loss at Portsmouth. But that is why the manager brought players in during the summer – to cope with injuries and suspensions.”