Ashley Young has wing of confidence

Posted Tuesday, August 09, 2011 by The Sun

ASHLEY YOUNG admits he is a changed man for England.

The new Manchester United star used to be like a rabbit caught in the headlights each time he pulled on a Three Lions shirt.

Young would return to Aston Villa with confidence crushed, but the £16million ace is now mentally stronger and pushing for a permanent place in Fabio Capello's team.

The winger, who has scored twice and set up two goals in his previous three games, will make his 16th appearance against Holland tomorrow.

He said: "You have to play with confidence and I've got to concentrate on things going forward now.

"There may have been a lack of confidence in the past but I'm now playing for England as I have done at club level.

"If I can continue doing that and put in the performances I have done until now, hopefully I can add a few more caps.

"Whenever I'm called on I want to go out and play well. In Denmark, I went on and felt I played well. Getting the winner was good for me.

"I played against Wales, won the penalty and then set up Benty to score. That is a great feeling and moving to United will help my chances of getting into the starting 11. If I'm playing well for United I'm sure the manager will see that and hopefully pick me. It's about me imposing myself on the game.

"I think people will judge me differently as I'm now at the biggest club in the world.

"With United being on tour in America, you could see how big the club is. I wanted to win titles and medals, play in the biggest competitions and I've got a chance now.

"I've got to stamp my authority on the team and, fingers crossed, I'll be in.

"It's been said I'm a versatile player, whether that's on the left, the right, or behind the front man, or even up front. I've just got to keep working in training and, if the manager wants to play me in any of those positions, I have to go out there and do well — whether it's at United or with England. Wherever I'm called upon, I'm going to put in 110 per cent.

"When I first joined United, the manager said: 'It's going to be a challenge'. But I challenge myself. I want to play at the top level. I want to be a top player. And you want to repay the manager for instilling that confidence."

Young admits he has always had a secret list of goals. After moving to Old Trafford, those hopes have been upgraded. He said: "Of course you want to play in the biggest competitions and win them.

"Going to United and playing in the Champions League, that's one of them. But, like I said, my targets are in my head."