Ash Thankful For Support

Ashley Young has thanked manager Martin O'Neill for showing faith in him and believing in him whilst others doubted his impact this season.

This subject has certainly been done to death, probably both in articles and on the forum but following Monny's words a few days back Ash has thanked him on the Official Site for sticking with him.

'A lot of people said I had a slow start to the season but I didn't think I did - and the manager didn't think I did. He's kept faith in me.'

Young goes on to explain that he's enjoying his football and he believes he achieving on the pitch what he sets out to do before every match.

Obviously, he's thrilled with the progress the club is making, still being in the places for Top 4 but especially because of our double cup run this year.

'Everything is moving along nicely.'

Ash is also very thankful for being made deputy Cappie in the absense of Petrov. He picks out the match against Brighton as a proud moment leading the lads out and wearing the armband.

'It was a special feeling to be captain. It was an honour to lead the team out and it worked well because I scored and we won. I couldn't have asked for more.'

He does however not begrudge giving up the armband, describing Petrov as a 'great captain and great leader' who thoroughly deserves the title. Rightly in most cases I would add, he also comments that team effectively has 11 captains on the pitch because of the communication that goes on now. Instantly you are thinking of Collins and Dunne probably above everyone else.

I think the communication this season, especially amongst the backline has been the best it's been for a long time and I think with our clean sheets and the way we are organised in defence as a team is proof of that.

We may not be where we'd all like us to be yet, and whilst there are hiccups along the way and things that maybe should be done better, there is no denying we are moving in the right direction.

Even just having more vocal leaders on the pitch is a huge step when you consider the 'quiet lads' we've had in the past.

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