Young for England, O'Neill tells Capello

BIRMINGHAM, England: Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists England coach Fabio Capello cannot overlook Ashley Young, saying the pacy forward would wreak havoc with defenses worldwide.

Young gave a scintillating performance in the 5-1 victory over Birmingham City at Villa Park on Sunday to claim local bragging rights in the second city derby.

The 22-year-old produced a wonderful individual display in front of the watching Capello, who cannot have failed to be impressed with the two goals he scored and the involvement he had in Villa's other three.

O'Neill paid Watford nine million pounds ($18 million) for Young in January last year and was widely criticized over the transfer fee.

However, that sum looks a bargain now as Arsenal and Chelsea cast envious glances in the direction of Villa Park.

And O'Neill reckons the twice-capped Young can only further enhance his reputation as part of Capello's squad for the post-season internationals at home to the United States and away to Trinidad and Tobago.

"He would have done his chances of inclusion in future England squads little harm at all with Mr. Capello watching him," O'Neill said.

"He was absolutely brilliant. He has been terrific all season and he has been brilliant since he arrived at the club. Things really started to take off for him at the back end of last season and this time around he has been phenomenal.

"He showed exactly what he is capable of if you can get the ball to him.

"People go on about me giving him a free role but it is all a matter of trying to get him in possession of the ball because he can cause havoc."

Villa is now three points behind fifth-placed Everton, but after scoring 15 goals in its last three games, it has a superior goal difference to David Moyes' side ahead of their meeting at Goodison Park next Sunday, in what will be a shoot-out for the UEFA Cup spot which comes with fifth place.

"We have put ourselves in with a chance. I've a lot of time for Everton, and it has been a terrific season for them in the league and in a couple of cup competitions," O'Neill said.

AFP

(China Daily 04/22/2008 page22)