Young believes Villa are better prepared this term

Aston Villa defender Luke Young believes the squad is better prepared this season and have more experience to get through the tough times after falling away at the end of last term.

Villa were close to a top-four finish in 2008/09 but suffered a collapse in the final few months because their playing list was put under pressure but Young says it will be a different story in 2009/10 because their squad has strengthened.

"There were times last season when I felt tired going into games,” he said.

"With the squad and the depth we've got now, if someone is tired or carrying a knock, then you can afford to rest them.

“When the team is winning and doing well, I am not sure the manager likes to change it too much.

"But sometimes it is circumstances that have made it happen at times and we are stronger this season to go all the way.

"Hopefully you won't see a tail end like last season and we'll be strong all the way through."