Ashley Young: I'm focused on keeping Aston Villa in Premier League

Apr 10 2011 by Gregg Evans, Sunday Mercury

ASHLEY Young insists winning Villa’s relegation battle is his priority – despite revelaing his burning desire to succeed at the highest level.

The England winger remains fully focused on keeping his current club in the Premier League and is refusing to let speculation linking him to Manchester United affect his performances.

Young reiterated his stance that he will not discuss his contract until the end of the season but admitted he dreams of winning trophies and succeeding on the international stage.

Those ambitions will be put on ice though until the end of the season as the Villa captain strives to lead his side to top-flight survival.

“I’ve always said that I’m an ambitious person and I want to play in the biggest competitions,” he said.

“I want to play in the Champions League, FA Cups, League Cups, the World Cup, the Euros, I want to play in them all.

“Obviously as a player, from the time I started playing football it was all about winning trophies and being the best I can.

“I always want to better myself and reach the highest level.

“Starting for England is always a massive goal for me. Saying that I am in the team from the start is a massive achievement. Fingers crossed I can continue in the next qualifier in June.

“But the main thing now is for me to be playing well for Aston Villa.