Ashley Young is 9/1 to score the opening goal for Villa at Tottenham. Bet now.Gerard Houllier is confident that Ashley Young will soon be signing a new contract.
Young has two years left on his current deal, but he has been chased by Tottenham over the last 12 months.
Villa rebuffed enquires from Spurs in the summer under previous boss Martin O'Neill and now new manager Houllier is confident a deal will be done.
"The good news should come early, sooner rather than later," said Houllier ahead of this weekend's clash with Tottenham.
"Ashley, to me, has international qualities. He is clever, reads the game well, works hard, is quick, has got quick feet, can score goals, make goals, takes part in movements to prepare goals.
"Whether he can play for the national team is not down to me to say yes or no.
"All I know is that we want the player to step up another level because he is on the fringe of the international team.
"I want him to be a regular player (for England).
"If you are happy with your game, you are not going to improve. You will stay at the same level and then some players will overtake you.
"But his involvement and dedication to what he does at training is really a good sign for the future for him."
Another one of Houllier's new chargers who has a contract issue is Nigel Reo-Coker.
The midfielder has been recalled under Houllier, but he has only just been made aware that he has less than 12 months left on his current contract.
"I didn't know Nigel was at the end of the contract (next summer)," said Houllier.
"But I've been here two weeks, he has played two games. He is in the team.
"It is too early to say whether he will sign a new contract or not but he brings something specific to the team which we needed.
"I know he had problems with the previous manager but sometimes that happens."
Houllier, meanwhile, is looking forward to meeting Spurs - who he watched in UEFA Champions League action against FC Twente in midweek.
"I saw them against FC Twente and they were impressive at times," said Houllier.
"It is a good attacking side and they really seem to enjoy their football.
"They finished fourth in the Premier League last season and have started well in the Champions League group.
"They are full of confidence but we will travel to them and give it our best shot.
"Sometimes the press talk more about the opposition. I came across that a couple of times (at Liverpool).
"Because of the name and prestige of the opposition, Milan or Barcelona, the press would talk more about them and forget about us.
"It was building up in the minds of the players that we were playing a monster or something very big.
"But if we are at that stage of the competition it is also because we have qualities and you have still got a chance, whatever the name of the opposition.
"I wanted to see Tottenham because they are a very good side but, when you see them, you see their strengths and weaknesses and football is about that.
"It is not just about seeing what problems teams can pose to you - but what you can pose to them."
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