Young eyes Uefa Cup run

Villa winger looking forward to European campaign

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Young Ashley

Young: Happy to be in Europe

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Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has set his sights on European success next season.

Villa finished sixth in the Premier League last term to qualify for the Intertoto Cup and Young is hoping to make it through to the Uefa Cup.

The 22-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing some of the best sides from across the continent and believes Villa are capable of going on a long run in the competition.

"I said from day one when I arrived at Aston Villa that this is a massive club that needs European football," said the former Watford player.

"We showed a lot of character and a real never-say-die attitude last season and we deserved a top-six finish.

"Hopefully we can get through the Intertoto Cup and progress to the Uefa Cup.

"Then we have a chance to really make an impact in Europe and that's what every player at the club wants."

Better prepared

Martin O'Neill admitted last season that his squad was too small to cope with demands of European football but Young is convinced the manager will bring in several new players in the transfer window.

He said: "It (qualifying for the Uefa Cup) will mean a lot more games but I'm sure the manager is looking to strengthen the squad this summer so we're better prepared for that."

Young was named in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Season after scoring eight goals and creating 17, while he made his third appearance for England in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

He is looking to establish himself as an England regular but accepts he will need to keep up his good play for Villa.

Pleased with form

"I was pleased with my form this season. I set myself goals and targets and achieved quite a lot of them," Young explained.

"On a personal level I was also called up to the senior England team so that was a massive progression for me and I'll be looking to earn more caps next season.

"The only way I'll stay in the England squad is by doing well for my club.

"It was a fantastic season for me and for the team in general. If anybody had said we'd get a place in the Intertoto Cup with a chance of getting through to the Uefa Cup, we'd have taken it.

"I've really enjoyed the season, it's been brilliant. Now I'm just looking forward to a break and then I can gear up for next season."