Aston Villa Football Club

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Paul Lambert

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42584

O'Neill: Young card correct

18 Jan 2009 - 09:34:19

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admitted that Ashley Young deserved to be sent off during Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

The in-form winger is now facing a three-match ban after being sent off in the 71st minute minute for a two-footed lunge at Dean Whitehead.

"Just before I come out (to do the post-match interview), I've had a very brief look at the monitor and I think it was a fair decision," admitted O'Neill.

"It's unlike Ashley Young I must admit, but it's a fair decision - he went in and, if these days you go in two-footed off the ground, you run the risk.

"It's a sending off and I'm obviously very disappointed."

However, O'Neill was delighted with the wider team response after Villa came back from a goal down to earn their fifth consecutive away victory and keep among the Premier League's elite.

"We knew that to begin with Sunderland are on a good run at the moment and confidence is high, but confidence is high with us and we came here expecting a real tough game and we got it," he added.

"I thought Sunderland did very well, got the goal and probably deserved to get in front as well."