GERARD Houllier has highlighted the importance of Ashley Young ahead of Villa’s crunch relegation run-in.

The jet-heeled winger has been in fine form for both club and country and is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League.

Champions Manchester United are thought to be planning a £25 million summer move for the England star, whose Villa Park contract expires at the end of next season.

However, despite the heavy interest Young remains a Villa player until at least the end of this season and Houllier is glad to have him among his ranks.

“Everybody likes having him around because he is jovial and enjoys life,” said Houllier.

“He is a good professional, a good trainer and a lively personality.

“Also, playing for England regularly means he is improving and that the training has helped.”

Young has postponed contract talks until the end of the season so he can focus on his football.

Whether he will sign an extension still remains to be seen as the lure of Champions League football could be too much.

The 25-year-old’s best position has been a hot topic of late as some believe he is better suited as a wide player rather than in his favourable role as a second striker. Houllier believes he is dangerous in both positions and admits there is a degree of flexibility whenever he plays in either formation.

“I’ve played him on the wing and I’ve played him behind the striker but wherever he plays he gives his best for the team,” said Houllier.

“He started on the right for England and, in fact, he made his penalty against Wales from the left.

“Usually the positions in front they like to swirl around and in modern players they do not played so fixed.

“To us he does a job whether he plays out wide or behind the striker.

‘‘When he plays in behind he tries to feed the striker but I also like him playing on the right.”

The Frenchman has also warned his faltering stars that they will be shown the exit door if the club is relegated.

While he has generally been satisfied with the attitude of his players on the pitch – despite recent results – the manager will not hesitate to wield the axe in the future if he feels an individual is not devoting 100 per cent to Villa’s future.

“If someone is not right with us for the rest of the season then that player has got to leave because he won’t make it with us,” he said.

“The spirit is good. We know we are in a relegation battle but the players have to realise this is about their future as well.

“It’s about the club and about the fans, this has to be at the heart of their lives.”