Source: Daily_Mail
Darren Bent no hard feelings with Ashley Young and Stewart Downing
Aston Villa striker Darren Bent insists there are no hard feelings between him and his England team-mates who left the club this summer.[LNB]Wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing joined Manchester United and Liverpool respectively for a total of ?35million, much to the disappointment of Villa fans.[LNB]However, Bent believes his international colleagues are entitled to move in search of major honours.[LNB] No worries: Darren Bent believes Aston Villa can cope without Stewart Downing and Ashley Young[LNB]He said: 'You're always going to be disappointed when you see players like Ashley and Stewart leave because they are top players, which is why the big clubs want them.[LNB]'But at the same time I wish them all the best and I hope they go on to achieve great things. Everyone wants to play in the top competition, which is the Champions League.'[LNB]Bent, who moved to Villa Park from Sunderland in January, has backed the team's youth and fringe players to step up and fill the gaps created by the departures.[LNB]He said: 'We've got top players that are still here and I'm sure they'll go on to do well as well, and we'll grow as a team.[LNB] Departed: Stewart Downing (left) and Ashley Young (right) have both recently left Aston Villa for pastures new[LNB]'We've still got players here like Marc Albrighton who's coming through, Gabby (Agbonlahor), Nathan Delfouneso and Stephen Ireland's going to be like a new signing.[LNB]'So I'm sure this season will be better than last season.'[LNB]Bent was speaking at the launch of Aston Villa's new home shirt, which is sponsored by Genting Casinos.[LNB]Hundreds of supporters turned out at Birmingham's Star City leisure complex to catch a glimpse of their heroes and Bent sees this as a sign that the animosity towards the appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has well and truly abated.[LNB] Winning over the fans: The furore surrounding Alex McLeish's move from Birmingham has died down[LNB]'It shows by how many people are out there to support the players that the fans are behind Alex McLeish 100 per cent,' he said. 'I think he's been fantastic.[LNB]'We haven't had too many sessions with him but he's brought a freshness to the place, told us what he expects of us and the lads are behind him 100 per cent.[LNB]'It shows his character coming from Birmingham to Villa. The boys are behind him and we just can't wait to get going.'[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEHe was benched by Blackburn, Newcastle, Celtic and City... but Shay's a real Villa coupMcLeish wants Tottenham's Naughton as Villa boss seeks new right-backVilla boss McLeish lines up Vargas after failing in ?9m swoop for N'ZogbiaMoving on was a Given for Shay as keeper opts for fresh start at VillaAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB]
