VILLA defender Ciaran Clark cleared Ashley Young of blame after the England man’s penalty miss at Bolton.

The visitors were leading 2-1 and creating chances almost at will when Young surged into the Wanderers penalty box and was felled by David Wheater.

Young picked himself up to take the spot-kick but was the loser in a mental battle with home keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Young accepted the Finn’s challenge to direct his penalty to his right but was crestfallen to see his effort turned aside.

Shortly after that Gary Cahill equalised and Ivan Klasnic went on to score an 86th minute winner.

But Clark insisted Young had no need to apologise.

“Ashley didn’t say anything afterwards but we’re a team and we’ll stick together,” the 21-year-old said.