Young relishing challenge

England ace has faith in his ability

Last updated: 22nd March 2008

Ashley Young George Boateng Aston Villa v Middlesbrough

Young: Relishing challenge

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Flying Aston Villa winger Ashley Young may live up to his name in looks but insists he is not scared of opponents in a man's game.

England ace Young, 22, is an important player for Villa and has scored five goals this term after joining for £9.65million from Watford in January last year.

His good form means he receives close attention from opponents but he has belief in his ability and insists he can handle the pressure.

His latest test will be against Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley when the Black Cats' visit Villa Park on Saturday.

Not scared

Young told the Daily Mirror: "The manager says I look very young but it is not a problem and I am not scared of anybody.

"You have to be aware of all your opponents as there is not just one player in the Premier League who is a tough tackler or strong in the tackle.

"But I always go out for games confident in my ability and do the job ahead of me regardless of my opponent.

"I don't know who I will be glaring at this week, it is just something I do to get myself ready for the game.

"It might be Phil Bardsley who I know from when I came here as he was on loan and in the same side then.

Good battle

"It will be a good battle and I always try to work out an opponent's weaknesses and then play my own game.

"It's not nice to be double marked but teams must think I am a threat."

Young wants to help Villa back to winning ways to get the club's push for Europe back on track after three games without a win.

He added: "We have gone through a sticky patch but we will get out of it against Sunderland and don't doubt that we will get three points."