MARC Albrighton hopes Gerard Houllier can persuade Ashley Young to stay – despite profiting himself from the exit of Villa’s last prized asset, James Milner.

Villa visit Manchester City for tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth round tie with Albrighton admitting Milner’s move to Eastlands has advanced his own career.

But Albrighton would be loathe to lose Young at the end of the season and has urged Houllier to build his team around the contract-stalling striker.

“He was unplayable against Blackburn,” said Albrighton.

“I thought Stewart Downing was almost as good, but probably just got overshadowed by Ashley because he was so good and scored the two goals.

“To have players like that, playing to their full capacity is brilliant.

“To keep Ashley would be brilliant for Villa. It would show we are going forward as a team.

“I think the manager has said he would like to build a team around him,

“That would be great for the club because he is such a good player.

“I know Ashley is enjoying his football here, so hopefully we can keep him and we can go on and have a good future.

“I don’t see any reason why he can’t push for a regular England spot. He has proved with England that he can play at that level.

“He is doing it week in and week out on the Premier League stage with Villa.