Source: SKY_Sports
Young hails spirit level
Ashley Young has told skysports.com that the atmosphere within the Aston Villa camp is a key factor behind their success.
Martin O'Neill's side only narrowly missed out on securing a UEFA Champions League spot this season, with an untimely slump costing them the opportunity to cement a top-four standing.
However, with European football secured for next term, and a fifth-place finish on the cards, the 2008/09 campaign has been deemed a success by all concerned with the Villa Park outfit.
Villa will now be looking to push on next season, with Young adamant that the squad harmony generated by O'Neill will play a key role in their endeavours.
"I think with the players he has brought and added to the squad, it's such an easy place to get on with each other," he told skysports.com.
"The team spirit that we have got is fantastic and I think that has shown this season. Everyone has gelled together from the start and when players have come in they have got on with everyone.
"When you have got that off the field, you can take it onto the pitch and that's exactly what we have done."
Young is also of the opinion that O'Neill will look to add to his squad this summer, with Villa currently working with a playing staff considerably smaller than a number of their rivals.
"To be honest, with the size of squad we have worked with this year, we have done absolutely brilliant," added the PFA Young Player of the Year.
"The amount of games we have played and the amount of injuries we have had, we have done brilliantly.
"The manager will have it in his own mind that he will be looking to add to the squad over the summer and I think that can only help."
Villa's only worries during pre-season will centre around their ability to keep hold of key personnel.
Gareth Barry's future remains unclear, while club captain Martin Laursen is struggling with a ongoing knee problem which could yet end his career.
Young hopes the talismanic Dane will be able to shake off the injury, though, admitting that the dependable centre-half provides the foundations on which glory tilts can be built.
"It would be a massive loss for us, and him (if he was forced to retire). He has been brilliant for us this season until he got injured," said the England international.
"He is one of those defenders that we have got at the club that would run through a brick wall just to head the ball. He was solid at the back for us and gave us a great base on which to play on.
"He would be a massive loss, he is a big character around the squad and in the dressing room."
PFA Young Player of the Year Ashley Young wears adidas F50 boots - a fully customisable boot also worn by stars such as David Villa, Lionel Messi, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jermain Defoe. For more information please call 0870 2404 204 or visit www.adidas.com/football
