Aston Villa boss O'Neill respects retirement decision by Young

Nov 13 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Martin O'Neill

VILLA boss Martin O’Neill today admitted he respects Luke Young’s decision to retire from international football, even though he doesn’t agree with it.

O’Neill is disappointed that the Villa defender has controversially chosen to call time on his England career with a World Cup just around the corner.

Young decided to quit the international game nine months ago but it was only made public when the FA tried to change his mind earlier this week.

But O’Neill is of the belief that the 30-year-old should have left his options open for as long as possible while he was still in Fabio Capello’s plans.

“It’s Luke’s prerogative to do what he wants,” said O’Neill.

“It’s not like he’s just retired from international football. He gave them notice before of his decision. He didn’t make a statement about it because he didn’t want to make a song and dance about it.