Monday Apr 21 2008 07:37
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has backed Ashley Young's claims to force his way into the England side after the former Watford man produced an exceptional performance in the 5-1 demolition of Birmingham City.
Young scored twice under the gaze of England's head coach Fabio Capello as Villa piled more relegation misery on their local rivals.
O'Neill said after the victory: "I thought if we could win at all I'd be delighted. We went into the game with loads of confidence but I wouldn't have envisaged winning so comprehensively.
"There were some magnificent displays by individuals and it would be hard to pick people out. But Ashley Young, in front of Fabio Capello, has done his chances of getting into future England squads no harm whatsoever.
"He was absolutely brilliant today, but I think he's been brilliant since he arrived here. Things really started to take off for him at the back end of last season and this time around he's been phenomenal.
"People go on about me giving him a free role but it's all a matter of trying to get him in possession of the ball because he can cause havoc.
"I think we've been creating chances all season. Now they're starting to fly in, and only Manchester United have scored more goals than us.
"Unfortunately, we also concede a lot of goals. Maybe that's inevitable with the way we play, but we're attack-minded."
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