Ashley Young sets sight on Rooney’s England place

LONDON - Aston Villa striker Ashley Young has his sights set on forcing Wayne Rooney out of the England team after making his mark as goal scorer.

Young has been starring for Villa in a central position and was handed the same job when replacing Rooney against Denmark.

Rooney has scored just one international goal in his last 14 appearances and now has a new rival in Young, who was celebrating his first strike at this level.

“I’m really enjoying playing in the middle. If the manager wants to play me there or out wide, I’ll do a job anywhere. As a kid I was a striker - Ian Wright was my hero. I always played as a striker, even at Watford, and then I went out wide as soon as I went to Villa,” The Sun quoted Young, as saying.

“But I’ve changed position and now I’m playing off the main striker. I’m really enjoying playing there. I’ve loved every minute of playing in the hole. It gives me more freedom to go and get the ball and to join in more. Hopefully, I will continue to keep playing there for my club and impress the England manager,” he said.

“Of course, Rooney’s not an easy guy to get out the team. He’s an excellent player, a world-class player, and he is one of those players you look up to and admire. He’s been fantastic whenever he’s pulled on the England shirt, but I’ve just got to keep concentrating on myself. I’ve got to keep myself in the squad and keep improving.

“It’s always nice to get on the score sheet and it’s a proud moment for me to get my first England goal and the fact it was the winner made it even more special. As long as I’m in the team and playing, then I’m delighted,” Young said. (ANI)