Sunday Jan 13 2008 10:32
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed his surprise at Ashley Young's rate of progress after starring in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Reading.
Young, who earned a first call-up to the full England squad late last year, had a hand in all three goals as Villa kept on the coat-tails of the top four in the Premier League.
O'Neill brought the speedy forward to Villa Park in a £9.65million transfer from Watford last January.
"If you had asked me whether I thought Ashley would have played for England by this time, then I would not have been sure about that," admitted O'Neill.
"But if you are asking me whether I thought he would have made an impact, then the answer is yes.
"He was a young kid who had been at Watford all his life and took a bit of time getting used to the surrounds here.
"But he has taken things by storm. He has been fantastic. He can go 60 yards at pace, beat players at the edge of the box and has the ability to deliver from the open play of free-kicks.
"But he also works hard. The way in which he tracks back is brilliant."
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