Aston Villa legend is full of praise for Ashley Young

Nov 15 2008

urge him on because they get a thrill out of what he does.

“I wouldn’t want to compare him to me because he is a different type of player to me and the game has moved on so much from when I was playing, but I did take defenders on as well and try and excite the fans.”

Unfortunately for Young, the fact that England manager Fabio Capello has an abundance of wide players to pick from has restricted the Villa man’s international appearances but Daley said it was only a matter of time before Young got the chance to add to his three England caps.

“Ashley is still a young lad and has plenty of time,” Daley said. “Walcott has done very well for England in recent games so that will make it very difficult for him, but I am sure Ashley’s chance will come. If it doesn’t then he will have to be patient and keep doing what he is doing so well for Villa.

“The fact that there are players like Ashley, Wright-Phillips and Lennon waiting in the wings is fantastic for England.”

The fact Villa are riding high near the top of the Premier League and are making progress in the UEFA Cup will only strengthen Young’s claim and Daley has been impressed with the Villa team Martin O’Neill has put together.

“It isn’t just that fact they are up there in the table but it is the style of football they are playing as well, which will help Ashley,” Daley added.

“They play some fantastic football under O’Neill and the fact Ashley is being considered for England wouldn’t be possible without that.

“Villa have done remarkably well so far this season and I just hope the fans don’t get too giddy and start expecting them to be in the top three too quickly. To finish fifth would be a fantastic achievement this season.

“Under O’Neill they have a superb work ethic and you see that every week. They all want to play for the club and the manager.”

Daley is now working as a fitness coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are riding high at the top of the Championship, and the 41-year-old is hoping Mick McCarthy’s men can get promotion to the Premier League and rub shoulders with Villa.

“I love my job and I have been as a fitness coach for four or five years now,” said Daley.