There was some good news for new Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier after Ashley Young expressed his willingness to sign a new deal. Young was the subject of speculation about his future during the summer and constantly linked with a move to Tottenham.
But the England winger has started the new campaign in sparkling form and given the strongest indication yet he will be happy to commit to the midlands club.
When asked how contract talks were progressing, Young said: "I've always said that I'm willing to sign a new deal. If it comes along, then I'll be delighted to sign."
And Young has been impressed already with the impact Houllier has made in his short spell since replacing Martin O'Neill.
He said: "When things change at a club, you are looking forward to a new regime with the new manager coming in who has his own way of thinking.
"I think the players are looking forward to everything that's going to happen with the changes coming.
"You are professionals. You have to adapt to new regimes and if the manager changes things you have to adapt to it. I think we've done well doing that so far.
"Obviously there have been changes but not too many. You don't want to change things too quick at the start.
"Hopefully we'll continue the work we've put in in the last few days and continue our winning ways."
