Source: Team_Talk
Hero Young close to new Villans deal
Ashley Young is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract with Aston Villa, with a four-year deal on the table for him at Villa Park.[LNB] Villa boss Gerard Houllier confirmed that Young will be tying up his new deal "sooner rather than later", and he is expected to commit for four years.[LNB]Young, who has just under two years left of his current contract, has started the season in sparkling form.[LNB]He has effectively switched from the wing into a second striker role behind Emile Heskey.[LNB]When asked about Young's new contract, Houllier said: "The good news should come early, sooner rather than later."[LNB]Young will tomorrow line up against Tottenham who were linked with trying to sign the player from Villa during the summer.[LNB]Houllier has challenged him to take his game to another level so he becomes an England regular rather than a squad player.[LNB]The former Liverpool boss said: "Ashley, to me, has international qualities.[LNB]"He is clever, reads the game well, works hard, is quick, has got quick feet, can score goals, make goals, takes part in movements to prepare goals.[LNB]"Whether he can play for the national team is not down to me to say yes or no.[LNB]"All I know is that we want the player to step up another level because he is on the fringe of the international team.[LNB]"I want him to be a regular player (for England).[LNB]"If you are happy with your game, you are not going to improve. You will stay at the same level and then some players will overtake you.[LNB]"But his involvement and dedication to what he does at training is really a good sign for the future for him."[LNB]Houllier has been impressed with the form of midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker whose days at Villa had looked numbered after a falling-out with former manager Martin O'Neill.[LNB]Reo-Coker has been reinstated in his preferred central midfield role and was one of Villa's best players in last weekend's 2-1 win over Wolves at Molineux.[LNB]The 26-year-old is out of contract next summer and, although Houllier believes it is too early to talk about a new deal, he has been happy with his contribution.[LNB]Houllier said: "I didn't know Nigel was at the end of the contract (next summer).[LNB]"But I've been here two weeks, he has played two games. He is in the team.[LNB]"It is too early to say whether he will sign a new contract or not but he brings something specific to the team which we needed.[LNB]"I know he had problems with the previous manager but sometimes that happens."[LNB]Houllier is a big admirer of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp and the job he has done in bringing Champions League football to White Hart Lane.[LNB]But he stressed the importance of his own team not being overawed by the opposition.[LNB]Houllier said: "I saw them against FC Twente and they were impressive at times.[LNB]"It is a good attacking side and they really seem to enjoy their football. They finished fourth in the Premier League last season and have started well in the Champions League group.[LNB]"They are full of confidence but we will travel to them and give it our best shot.[LNB]"Sometimes the press talk more about the opposition. I came across that a couple of times (at Liverpool).[LNB]"Because of the name and prestige of the opposition, Milan or Barcelona, the press would talk more about them and forget about us.[LNB]"It was building up in the minds of the players that we were playing a monster or something very big.[LNB]"But if we are at that stage of the competition it is also because we have qualities and you have still got a chance, whatever the name of the opposition."[LNB]Houllier added: "I wanted to see Tottenham because they are a very good side but, when you see them, you see their strengths and weaknesses and football is about that.[LNB]"It is not just about seeing what problems teams can pose to you - but what you can pose to them."
