Ashley Young
DOB 09.07.86
2007 Caps 1, Goals 0
Career Caps 1, Goals 0
Aston Villa
Some pundits questioned the wisdom of Martin O'Neill when he parted with close to £10 million last January for Ashley Young, a player with just six months of Premier League experience with a struggling Watford side.
The Villa manager's judgement has, however, been vindicated with Young's scintillating form being one of the main factors behind the midland side's resurgence.
It took the 22-year-old no time at all to settle in his new surroundings and he has become a firm favourite with the Holt End regulars for his impressive work ethic and energetic displays on the wing.
Like Joe Cole, Young is a predominantly right-footed player who prefers to operate on the left, cutting in from the flank and providing plenty of ammunition for his strikers.
Young had been a regular for Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side and played three times in last summer's European Championships before Steve McClaren promoted him to the full squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.
The speedy winger was denied the opportunity to showcase his talents in those competitive fixtures but made an impressive full debut as a second half substitute in the 1-0 friendly win in Austria.
Young replaced Cole that night, and after continuing to thrive for Villa this season, he is sure to be pressing the Chelsea man hard for a regular place in Fabio Capello's set-up.
"If you're an English lad you've just got to be determined. If you get a chance you've got to grab it with both hands, have the hunger and desire to do well." Ashley Young
"Ashley has been fantastic. He can go 60 yards at pace, beat players on the edge of the box and has the ability to deliver from the open play of free-kicks. But he also works hard. The way in which he tracks back is brilliant." Martin O'Neill