Former Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen feels Martin O'Neill deserves a lot of credit for Ashley Young's successful move to Manchester United.

Young has been an instant hit at Old Trafford since his summer switch.

And Laursen says: "I look at how Ashley Young has gone straight into ­Manchester United full of ­confidence, and now plays for England.

"I think that is down to ­Martin O'Neill.

"He would always be telling both him and Gabby Agbonlahor: 'Just take the player on, you will go past him, you are so much better'.

"As a player that's the most important thing you can feel from your manager, that he likes you and believes in you."