Young left hurt by 'diving' accusations

Ashley Young says he his hurt at being accused of being a "diver".

Young admits he has had that accusation thrown at him "on numerous occasions". The England winger, who could play his last game for Aston Villa against Liverpool tomorrow, has won more free-kicks – 88 – than any other Premier League player this season.

Young, out of contract next summer, said: "I think people saying that 'I go down too easily' hurts more than being booted up in the air to be honest. I hear that on numerous occasions and then you look at the stats of me being the most fouled player. Is it me that's going down easily or is it that I am genuinely being fouled?

"Referees are now booking players for simulation so, if players are diving, then they're going to be booked. I've not been booked for diving."