Ashley Young given a licence to roam
Saturday 25th September 2010, 11:00AM BST.
Ashley Young is again set to be given licence to float at Wolves tomorrow – as Gerard Houllier expressed his confidence the England star will commit his long-term future to Villa.
Young’s second-half performance as a supporting striker in Wednesday’s win over Blackburn, in which he scored twice, has convinced Villa’s new boss that is his best position, having started the game out wide.
Houllier said: “With strikers they can move practically everywhere. He can beat players on the side, like he did against Blackburn.
“But, for the moment, I think for Aston Villa, I prefer to have him in that second role behind the striker.”
Young, contracted at the club until summer 2012, confirmed he is “willing to sign a new deal” after Wednesday’s game and Houllier is optimistic an agreement can be struck.
He added: “The discussions are positive.”
The 63-year-old says the next step for Young is now establishing himself as an England regular – and he is confident he can help him get there.
He added: “Ashley can make goals, score goals. I would like him to be a regular international.”
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Young is clearly the danger man and must be man marked. This task should be assigned to Mancienne.
I really believe we can win this derby and spoil Houllier’s day.
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