O'Neill excited by Young gun

Martin O'Neill admits he is excited by the prospect of working with Ashley Young.

Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa will prove to be the ideal club for Ashley Young to realise his potential at, with the Watford forward to rubber stamp his move to the Midlands on Monday.

Young is to formally complete the second part of his medical at the start of the week and should he experience no problems, then he will ink a four-and-a-half year deal.

Villa are to pay an initial £8million fee with add-ons expected to see the deal surpass the £9.5million the club spent in signing Juan Pablo Angel in 2001.

O'Neill admits he is excited by the prospect of working with a player he feels is one of the brightest young talents in the country, laughing off suggestions that he may have paid too much for a starlet shy of experience.

"Is it a risk? Not to me. Last week we were accused of not buying anyone," said O'Neill.

"I can't win! He is a very talented player and I would think he will prove his worth.

"He can play on both flanks and he can play alongside the centre-forward. I think he is an exciting player and he has got a great touch, great control, a wee bit of pace.

"I am excited. I think he is an excellent player and has great potential and I think he will realise that potential in his career.

"Will his signing send out a positive message? It wasn't the idea but that follows naturally.

"It will send out a positive message but I want to try to build a decent side here, a side that is going to compete."