Source: Team_Talk
Young wants to make England grade
Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has set his sights on becoming an England regular and is confident he could handle the pressure.[LNB] Young could make a first start at Wembley for his country in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.[LNB]The absence of his former Villa team-mate James Milner through suspension may open the door for Young, who has been in sparkling form this season.[LNB]Young was first called into the England squad by Steve McClaren three years ago shortly after making a £9million move from Watford to Villa, and has nine caps.[LNB]It would delight him if he emulates another former Hornets player and winger, John Barnes, by starring for his country.[LNB]Young said: "I've always had goals and aspirations to play for my country and the day I got the first call-up was the biggest achievement of my career so far.[LNB]"I've got a certain amount of caps but I'd like to add to them.[LNB]"I've been in most of the squads and hopefully now I'm doing everything I can to get into the team.[LNB]"It is a competitive world. It is always nice to have competition and people knocking on the door.[LNB]"Once you are in the team, you've got to keep playing well otherwise people will come and take your position.[LNB]"Everyone wants to play and I'm no different. I've got confidence in my ability to do well.[LNB]"It is down to the manager. He picks the team and I can only keep doing what I've been doing at Villa and keep doing in training and we will have to see on Tuesday."[LNB]Young was left out of Fabio Capello's squad for the summer trip to South Africa, and admitted: "I was disappointed not to go to the World Cup but that is in the past now.[LNB]"I've had disappointments before and it is how you react to them.[LNB]"I've got to look to the future and concentrate on establishing myself more in the squad and then pushing on to get into the team."[LNB]Young has never lacked confidence during his four years at Villa and believes he could handle playing for England.[LNB]He said: "I think there is pressure wherever you are, whether it is at Villa or with the national team.[LNB]"It is the way each individual deals with pressure. I think I can deal with pressure and go out and do a job."[LNB]Young is full of admiration for Barnes, who left Vicarage Road in 1987 to find fame with Liverpool.[LNB]He said: "To follow in the footsteps of someone who had played at the same club as yourself is always nice.[LNB]"It is something to look up and to try to pursue and emulate if possible."[LNB]Young's trickery, pace and accurate crossing could be a key component against Montenegro who have won their opening three qualifiers.[LNB]He said: "It is going to be a tough game. They have won the opening three games but we have got to concentrate on ourselves, keep doing what we have done right so far.[LNB]"If we apply ourselves like in the first two games, we will be able to get that win we need on Tuesday.[LNB]"The main thing is to be winning. We've got six points and it would be nice to end year with maximum points from three games."[LNB]Young has echoed the thoughts of Villa manager Gerard Houllier in expecting to thrash out a new contract with the midlands club.[LNB]He said: "I am delighted with the manager and the new regime and the way things are going.[LNB]"I've got two years left of my contract and I'm just concentrating on the football side of things and I am sure everything will get sorted."
