Villa's Marc Albrighton thanks Downing and Young for support
Jul 29 2010 by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Post
Aston Villa wide-boy Marc Albrighton has praised wing wonders Ashley Young and Stewart Downing for passing on tips to improve his game.
Albrighton has been the shining light of Villa’s pre-season, starring against Peterborough United, Bohemians and Walsall.
The 20-year-old hopes the 2010-11 campaign will be a breakthrough season for him after brief tastes of first-team action over the past two years.
And he is determined to keep learning from Young and Downing – even though he is trying to eventually displace the established wide players from Martin O’Neill’s starting line-up. “Training with them every day helps you out,” said Albrighton, who has alternated between the right and left flanks during the friendlies.
“They give you advice because they know the position so well.
“You learn about the pass you are playing to put the ball in the box for the strikers, keep playing, keep things simple, try and mix it up and don’t try and complicate things.
“I think it is ingrained in myself but it is nice watching them play to see what they do, in training you can try the things they do.”
Albrighton was restricted to one first team start last season, injuring himself in the process of setting up the opening goal in Villa’s FA Cup victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
But the Tamworth-born youngster also impressed during three Premier League substitute appearances and one in the League Cup.
Albrighton hopes the likes of himself and fellow Bodymoor Heath academy graduate Nathan Delfouneso can continue to make their mark on the senior side over the coming months.
“There has been a lot of players coming through the Aston Villa ranks and it would be nice to join that group,” he said.
“I think we had a couple of years where we had a great youth team, great reserve team and the team spirit among the reserves is unbelievable.
“Everyone knows if you work hard and perform well you are going to get a chance in the first team.
“With Nathan pushing on and getting his chance in the first team I think that is a boost for us.”
Villa jetted off to Portugal yesterday for this weekend’s Guadiana Cup pre-season tournament in the Algarve.
O’Neill’s team will play Feyenoord on Saturday evening before taking on Benfica on Sunday night.
Both matches will take place at the San Antonio Stadium.
Villa conclude their pre-season with friendly against Valencia at Villa Park, on Friday, August 6. The Premier League campaign kicks off at home to West Ham on Saturday, August 14.
