O'Neill calls for protection for Young

Martin O'Neill has called for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young to be given greater protection by officials as he battles to be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash at Everton.

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Ashley: Bright Young hope.

Young's outstanding form during the past 18 months has led to him coming under closer scrutiny from defenders, who often double up on the former Watford player in a bid to nullify his pace and trickery.

He came in for particularly rough treatment during Thursday's UEFA Cup clash with MSK Zilina at Villa Park and ended the game limping heavily after a knock to his calf.

O'Neill has observed how Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo should be aided by officials when on the receiving end of unlawful challenges and feels Young would benefit if referees looked upon him in the same light.

The former Celtic boss said: "I notice Sir Alex (Ferguson) talks about Ronaldo and getting protection and (Manchester City manager) Mark Hughes talks about Shaun Wright-Phillips getting a rough time of it.

"Ashley does get fouled a lot and he has a calf injury after Thursday. He got plenty of rough treatment in the UEFA Cup game and I kind of expect it but he picks himself up and gets on with it.

"In an ideal world, it would be better for him to get more protection."

O'Neill is hoping Young's never-ending desire to play will mean he is able to face David Moyes' side.

The Villa chief said: "We think it is just a kick. He was limping towards the end of the game but he has got a fantastic heart.

"Will he be fit? The great thing about Ashley is he wants to play. He wants to play in the five-a-sides, everything. I am hoping it will be okay.

"He is an amazing character. He is a great player. He probably doesn't think of it as a compliment when he has landed on his head after being kicked but teams are giving him attention."

O'Neill has a lot of respect for Moyes and the Toffees and admires their resilience in clawing their way back into contention for a European spot after a difficult start to the season.

He said: "Everton's record would suggest they are winning away and finding it more difficult at home at the moment. Everton are Everton and, when they finally get things organised, they will be there.

"They have had a tough old start and yet they are battling and, if they beat us on Sunday, they will join us on the same number of points. I think the great thing about them is a great resilience and a good old spirit.

"Last season they played brilliantly. They reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and pipped us for fifth place. They deserve loads of respect."

Central defender Curtis Davies is set to return after not being risked against MSK with a slight ankle injury suffered in training, along with midfielder Steve Sidwell, whose wife recently gave birth.

But striker John Carew is still ruled out with a back injury, which means 17-year-old Nathan Delfouneso, who scored on his full debut against Zilina, could be involved at some stage.