Villa set to reward Young

O'Neill hopes to tie down winger

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th September 2008

ashley young aston villa

Young: Wing wizard

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Aston Villa are to offer Ashley Young an improved contract as a reward for his continued development.

The tricky winger still has almost three years to run on the deal he penned on his arrival at Villa Park from Watford in January 2007.

However, having forced his way into the senior England squad last season, on the back of a number of impressive displays, the Villans are keen to tie the youngster down longer-term.

Martin O'Neill has revealed that discussions with the player will be held in the near future and remains confident the 23-year-old will extend his time at the club.

Fantastic

The former Celtic boss said: "Will Young sign a new contract? It is just a matter of getting sat down after this (international) break. I think it will happen sooner rather than later.

"Everyone knows what I think of Ashley. He has been fantastic for us once he settled down and I maintain he is unfortunate not to be in the current England squad.

"He still has three years to go of his contract but we want to reward him for what he has achieved for us."

Terrific

Villa are preparing to tackle Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Monday, a game which finished 4-4 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Spurs have endured a disappointing start to the new campaign, and parted company with their two most potent attacking threats over the summer, but O'Neill is still expecting a tough test for his Villa side in the capital.

He said: "It was a great game last season. On reflection we should have been able to see it through.

"But to get ourselves into a 4-1 position at the time was terrific, we played some great stuff, scored some great goals and we were in real command of the game.

Talented

"For us to lose three goals in the last 20 minutes was disappointing. With 20 minutes to go, I'd love to be in the same position again on Monday!

"But, although Spurs have lost two talented forwards in Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, they've used the money very well indeed.

"They have got a lot of individual flair in the side which I think, when it is honed together, will make them a real decent out of it.

"The thing about having that individual flair is that just one of those players can turn the game for them.

"It is too soon to say what sort of immediate impact those players will make but I have no doubt about their quality. (Luka) Modric, (David) Bentley, etc. I think they've got the players."