Young left cold by new role

2nd December 2008

Luke Young has admitted he does not see his long-term future at left-back despite being switched into the role by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill for the first time in nearly a decade.

Young has swapped flanks for the past three games even though £5million summer capture Nicky Shorey - a specialist in the position - has been available.

Former England defender Young has not started there since his days as a youngster with Tottenham and, while willing to help O'Neill out, he does not feel comfortable in the role.

Young said: "Playing at left-back is a different thing for me to get my head around. I am getting on with it and doing a job and if the manager wants to play me there, I'll do my best.

"Obviously it is not my best position and, at times on the pitch, it becomes difficult when I am on the wrong side and I've got to try to manoeuvre my way out of trouble and things like that. I am doing my best there, I am doing a job for the side and, hopefully at some stage, I might be able to get back on the right.

"I played there when I was a young lad, and there was no-one fit, at Tottenham. In those days I slotted in here, there and everywhere - but I haven't played there for a good eight or nine years. I've played three games there now, felt that I've done okay, but it is not really where I see my future."