Marc Albrighton backed to fill Ashley Young void at Aston Villa

Aston Villa legend Dennis Mortimer today tipped promising youngster Marc Albrighton to fill the boots of Ashley Young following his departure to Manchester United.

Young completed his move to Old Trafford for a fee in the region of £17m as he seeks to fulfil his desire to win silverware and play in the Champions League.

But rather than splash the cash on a expensive replacement, Villa's 1982 European Cup-winning captain believes new manager Alex McLeish should put his faith in England Under-21 ace Albrighton.

"Now Ashley Young has gone to Manchester United, as expected, Villa will need someone who can take his position in the team," said Mortimer.

"But they don't have to sign somebody for big money – maybe they can look within the ranks at who they have already got.

"I like Marc Albrighton and he is an exciting talent, although he can still improve aspects of his game and needs someone from the coaching staff to work with him on certain things. If Villa do that he can fill Ashley Young's shoes.

"There are a few young players who are worth giving a chance to, rather than going out and spending money on people who might not move to Villa for the right reasons.

"There are many players who don't move for the right reasons and do it just for the money."

Mortimer is also hopeful that Gabby Agbonlahor can recapture his best form in the new campaign having largely cut a frustrating figure last season.

The Villa forward only found the net five times last season – his worst goal haul since breaking into the first team – and suffered a stop-start season through form and fitness.

"Darren Bent has been a great signing but Villa need someone who works well alongside him and must try to get Gabby back in form," added Mortimer.

"He was a bit below-par last season and been very disappointing. He needs to shake himself in the summer and get back down to being the player everyone knows he can be.

"Admittedly, Gabby is used to being the main man and that has obviously changed with the arrival of Darren, but as a player you have to learn to adapt.

"Maybe with the way Villa were playing he wasn't fitting in, so he needs to redefine his role."