Aston Villa: Andy Townsend full of praise for Ashley Young

Jan 9 2009 By Mat Kendrick

FORMER Villa captain Andy Townsend has become the latest member of the Ashley Young fan-club by insisting the winger has the graft to supplement his craft.

Young has been hailed as one of the leading lights in Villa’s march into the Premier League top four with his explosive combination of skill and speed.

The former Watford winger has scored five Premier League goals and two in Europe this season and has again been Villa’s creator supreme with the most assists.

But Townsend feels that Young’s willingness to track back and work hard for Martin O’Neill’s team is often overlooked because of his flair.

Speaking ahead of today’s derby match, Townsend, who was at Villa between 1993 and 1997 and Albion from 1999-2000, raved about Young’s commitment.

“What I like most about the young man is his work-rate,” said Townsend.