Source: Daily_Mail
Darren Bent no hard feelings with Ashley Young and Stewart Downing
Aston Villa striker Darren Bent insists there are no hard feelings between him and his England team-mates who left the club this summer.Wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing joined Manchester United and Liverpool respectively for a total of ?35million, much to the disappointment of Villa fans.However, Bent believes his international colleagues are entitled to move in search of major honours. No worries: Darren Bent believes Aston Villa can cope without Stewart Downing and Ashley YoungHe said: 'You're always going to be disappointed when you see players like Ashley and Stewart leave because they are top players, which is why the big clubs want them.'But at the same time I wish them all the best and I hope they go on to achieve great things. Everyone wants to play in the top competition, which is the Champions League.'Bent, who moved to Villa Park from Sunderland in January, has backed the team's youth and fringe players to step up and fill the gaps created by the departures.He said: 'We've got top players that are still here and I'm sure they'll go on to do well as well, and we'll grow as a team. Departed: Stewart Downing (left) and Ashley Young (right) have both recently left Aston Villa for pastures new'We've still got players here like Marc Albrighton who's coming through, Gabby (Agbonlahor), Nathan Delfouneso and Stephen Ireland's going to be like a new signing.'So I'm sure this season will be better than last season.'Bent was speaking at the launch of Aston Villa's new home shirt, which is sponsored by Genting Casinos.Hundreds of supporters turned out at Birmingham's Star City leisure complex to catch a glimpse of their heroes and Bent sees this as a sign that the animosity towards the appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has well and truly abated. Winning over the fans: The furore surrounding Alex McLeish's move from Birmingham has died down'It shows by how many people are out there to support the players that the fans are behind Alex McLeish 100 per cent,' he said. 'I think he's been fantastic.'We haven't had too many sessions with him but he's brought a freshness to the place, told us what he expects of us and the lads are behind him 100 per cent.'It shows his character coming from Birmingham to Villa. The boys are behind him and we just can't wait to get going.' CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEHe was benched by Blackburn, Newcastle, Celtic and City. but Shay's a real Villa coupMcLeish wants Tottenham's Naughton as Villa boss seeks new right-backVilla boss McLeish lines up Vargas after failing in ?9m swoop for N'ZogbiaMoving on was a Given for Shay as keeper opts for fresh start at VillaAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion