VIDEO: Young's target
By Nicholas Veevers
Sunday, 10 October, 2010
Aston Villa man aiming for a more established role with England.
Click here to watch video footage of the Ashley Young press conference.
Ashley Young is hoping that his impressive form for Aston Villa and versatility on the pitch can help him establish a more permanent presence in Fabio Capello’s England squad this season.
The 25-year-old has been in sparkling form for his club so far this season, playing in a withdrawn central role for Villa and he’s also had a new lease of life at international level as a result.
He was an important figure in the second half performance against Bulgaria last time out at Wembley and he’s looking for more of the same against Montenegro on Tuesday.
“It’s great to be back in the squad, I’m delighted to be here,” he revealed. “I always set myself goals and targets, which I keep to myself, but to get myself a place in the team is what I want to do.
“Hopefully, I can establish myself more as the campaign goes on.
“We’ll have to wait and see what the Manager’s thinking is come Tuesday night.”
As well as the central role which Young has been playing this season, his ability to function as a winger down either flank makes the former Watford man a valuable asset in the squad.
And he’s more than prepared to fulfil whichever role is asked of him.
“We’ve got many versatile players in the squad, and I’ve been playing off the striker this season,” he explained.
“I can also play right or left but wherever called upon, if I’m asked by the Manager, I’ll go out and give it everything I’ve got.
“I’ve got confidence in my own ability to go out there and do well. As long as I’m playing well for Villa, it’s up to the Manager to pick me for the squad and then for me to go out there and produce what he wants me to do.
“Whether I’m in the team or coming off the bench, I’ll go out there and give it 110 per cent.”
One thing that won’t hold him back is pressure or nerves, as Young admits that’s he’s one of those individuals rarely affected by outside influences whether it’s playing for Villa or the Three Lions.
“I think there’s always pressure wherever you play, whether it’s for Villa or with the national team, but it’s how each individual deals with it,” he explained.
“I think I can deal with it, so if the Manager tells me to go out and do a job, I’ll do it.
“We started off the campaign brilliantly with two wins and I’m sure we’ll be able to add to the six points we’ve got on Tuesday.”
To buy tickets for the England v Montenegro Euro 2012 Qualifier next Tuesday night at Wembley, click here