Source: Team_Talk
Houllier hopeful over new Young contract
Gerard Houllier hopes Aston Villa winger Ashley Young will sign a new contract after tipping him to become a regular for England this season.[LNB] Houllier finally signed on the dotted line on Friday after agreeing to become Martin O'Neill's successor a fortnight ago.[LNB]Now he is turning his attention to Young, who he intends to play in the 'hole' behind the striker rather than as an out-and-out winger.[LNB]Young has just under two years left of his current deal and Houllier is confident he will commit long term to Villa.[LNB]Houllier said: "Am I hopeful Ashley will sign a new contract? Yes. It's going on well. The discussions are positive."[LNB]Young's decision to stay would be a major lift after the departures of Gareth Barry and James Milner in successive summers to Manchester City.[LNB]And Houllier believes he can become an England regular if he repeats his performances of recent games ahead of Sunday's derby clash with Wolves at Molineux.[LNB]He said: "We had a chat and all I told Ashley is that I thought he could be a leader not only in terms of quality but in terms of effort.[LNB]"He can be a star but a star as a team player. His input must not be only making goals and scoring goals. It's his work-rate and his attitude that can improve the rest of the team."[LNB]Houllier added: "How can Ashley become an England regular? If he keeps having the sort of performance he had against Bolton and Blackburn.[LNB]"To reach a further level you need to have eight or nine games out of 10 at the very top.[LNB]"Then suddenly you notice your game has gone up a level. He needs to have a regular top performance for a number of games. It's the consistency of the top production."[LNB]Young has never been lacking in self-confidence since signing for Villa from Watford three and a half years ago.[LNB]But Houllier said: "One of the major ingredients of the very top players is that they always have a lot of confidence in themselves.[LNB]"They know that if they fail, they will probably get another opportunity and succeed. They are very confident and can take responsibility."
