Young will wait for O'Neill successor

(Getty Images)

Ashley Young will wait to discover the identity of Aston Villa's new manager before deciding on his long-term future.

Young has two years left on his current contract and held initial talks over a new deal yesterday.

Sources close to the England winger suggest Young will not look to imminently follow Manchester City-bound James Milner out of the club despite manager Martin O'Neill quitting this week.

It is believed Young is more likely to assess his options in January when the new manager will be place, the extent of Villa's ambitions will be clear and the finer points of a new contract will have been thrashed out.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has often spoke of his admiration for Young and the likes of Everton and Liverpool have also been linked with the 25-year-old hailed as a "genius" by O'Neill.

Young gave a glimpse of his potential by setting up both goals for England skipper Steven Gerrard during the 2-1 win over Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday night.

Young is already Villa's highest wage earner and the board are conscious of not wanting to lose another popular player so soon after Milner if his move to Eastlands goes through.

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald will face the media for the first time today ahead of tomorrow's opening Barclays Premier League clash with visiting West Ham.

He will be without defensive duo Carlos Cuellar and James Collins for the game: Cuellar has failed to recover from a hamstring injury while Collins is ruled out with a calf problem.

Curtis Davies could partner Richard Dunne at the back if he shakes off a knee problem. If not, then rookie Ciaran Clark, who made his first Premier League start against Fulham 12 months ago, could deputise.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is also battling to overcome a hamstring injury in time to face the Hammers.