Young relishing central role

Ashley Young believes Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier can maximise his potential as he reverts to his central role against Chelsea. Young, who made his first competitive start for England in Tuesday's goalless Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, has been moved by Houllier into the 'hole' role - behind revitalised striker Emile Heskey - and has been in sparkling form for the midlands club.Now the former Watford player will look to help Villa avenge the 7-1 mauling at Stamford Bridge last season, although they did triumph 2-1 against the Blues at Villa Park.Young said: "I think I've been more involved at Villa by playing in the hole role which I've been delighted with."I've started the season really well and hopefully I can keep my good form and confidence going and keep moving forward."To have the manager on your side and backing you, and filling you with confidence, is always helpful. From the time he has come in, he has been positive to me."He just wants me to do as well as I can and for a manager to tell you to go out there and play and enjoy yourself is really good to hear."You just want to go and repay him for that and hopefully I can do well on Saturday."It is always nice and go and play for a man who wants you to play."Young admits the Villa players are still adjusting to the way Houllier wants to play.He said: "The club as a whole is more settled now with the manager being there and his new regime coming into play."There have been changes but I don't think it has affected the players too much. We have concentrated on the job in hand, on the pitch."We have had a few indifferent results. But everybody is concentrating on doing their best for the club. The manager has come in and got a new regime."Everyone is adjusting to it. It has only been a few weeks. We are just concentrating on what we have to do to push up the league."With the manager coming in and changing it round, we have to apply ourselves the way he wants us to."Houllier believes Young can be a top player in his new role as Villa look to bounce back from their defeat at Tottenham a fortnight ago.He said: "I don't think the comments are there to put any pressure on me."I know what I have to do whenever I step over the white line. I always have to concentrate on doing the best I can, whether I am playing through the middle or out wide."I know what job I have to do. I am full of confidence and I know I can go out there each week and do it."

Source: Team_Talk