Young Belief In Gabby

Ashley Young has backed Gabby to make the most of his England opportunity following his recall to the squad, and potential start against Belarus tonight.

You can't fault the young winger for casting a wistful look at any England news lately given his omittance from the squad, but it's understandable given his form. If this is the kick he needs then I'm not going to argue if we see the flying Young again complete with accurate crosses to boot.

Anyhoo, whilst on an extended break given the international commitments of others, Young has said he believes that Gabby is slowly turning into a more rounded centre half, especially given the manner of his goal tally so far this season and he fully expects him to take any chance to impress that Capello might now hand him.

Whilst having a quiet chat with Mr Kendrick of the Birmingham Mail Young commented:

'From the time I came here you could see the potential and how good a player he could be.'

Gabby has changed from the quiet little lad Ash first got to know during Gab's loan spell at Watford, and he wasn't much different when they both met up again in the U21's, but it wasn't until Ash joined Villa that they both seemed to find delight in their humour, even if it is at the expense of others.

You all must remember the infamous 'Sock Wars' story from last season? Amongst other little gems we've heard our resident Chuckle Brothers get up to.

'What do I think's brought him out of his shell? I wouldn't like to say myself.'

Would that be Ash not incriminating himself I wonder?

Young finishes the interview by sticking up for his buddy after his goal draught last season, saying that despite the criticism he thinks Gab responded the right way and used the criticism he received to spur him on into becoming a better a player:

'It made him stronger because when people get criticised it's the way you bounce back from it,' adding, 'I think he's answered all his critics.'

Gab's certainly gone the right way about it. There remain questions such as his consistency, as we've seen a sparkling run of goals before....now we want to see him continue that run as opposed to petering out.

But nobody can fault the work he put in over the summer to improve himself, and we've seen signs of that work paying off already.

I certainly wouldn't have put money on most fans agreeing Gab looks best as a lone striker 3 years ago.

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