Newcastle manager Alan Pardew accused Ashley Young of going to ground too easily after watching the Aston Villa winger win the free-kick which ultimately sank his side at Villa Park this afternoon.

Young went down under a challenge from Newcastle captain Joey Barton and the resulting set-piece saw the England man swing the ball in for James Collins to glance in the only goal of the game after 24 minutes as Villa clinched three vital points in their bid to avoid relegation.

Pardew said: "Young is the most fouled player in the division.

"We kept saying, you touch him and he goes over, and that was in Joey's mind.

"It was something we talked about. He hardly touched him and down he went again. That happens to be a fact.

"I didn't think it was a free-kick if that is what you are asking me.

"Joey is going to argue decisions and make his opinion felt if he thinks he's been wronged."

Pardew felt his side's challenge was hampered by the absence of several key players, including striker Shola Ameobi who was a late withdrawal and is to have a scan on his knee tomorrow.

He added: "We were committed against a nervous Villa but we missed some core players and that affected us.

"The injury to Shola Ameobi, who was man of the match last week, was a bit of a blow.

"We're going to scan him tomorrow on his knee and we hope he comes through that."

Pardew also admits that the squad will need strengthening for next season.

He said: "We've given a committed display but we don't want to be in this position next year where the squad looks small.