Marc Albrighton backed for England

Villa winger Ashley Young has backed team-mate Marc Albrighton to bounce back from his derby suspension and soon be challenging him for an England place.

Albrighton returns to Gerard Houllier's squad for Saturday's trip to Fulham, after sitting out Sunday's stalemate against Birmingham following his red card in last week's Carling Cup win over Burnley.

The 20-year-old has been in inspired form for Villa this term, scoring his first senior goal last month against Tottenham, and has established himself as a key member of Stuart Pearce's England under-21 squad.

But Young reckons it won't be long before the Tamworth-born terror joins him and Stewart Downing in becoming the latest Villa winger to catch Fabio Capello's eye.

Young said: "Marc's won two player of the month awards and it's been fully deserved.

"We said from a while back when he was a real youngster that he will be one of the ones coming through and he's definitely showing that and has taken his opportunity with both hands.

"He's been playing for the under-21s, I don't see why he can't be challenging me and others for an England place very soon.

"I said that from the start of the season that I feel like a senior now and I don't know how, I'm only 25!"

Albrighton was sent off for a professional foul when, as the last man, he brought down Wade Elliott just outside the Villa area as the Burnley player bore down on goal.

Young said: "Marc was gutted but it's one of those things, he's a local boy who wanted to play in the derby.

"Any player that was there, it was going to have to be done, unfortunate as he's so young, dying to play in the game.

"Hopefully he won't miss too many games."