Young Out

Last updated : 10 February 2009 By Tom Vickers
Villa left back Luke Young will miss England's friendly against Spain in Seville due to a toe injury.

The in-form defender has left the training camp and travelled back to the Midlands, meaning he will miss out on an eighth international cap.

Young, who is naturally a right back, has been converted to a left sided role by Martin O'Neill with some success.

The 29 year-old has been one of Villa's best players this season and was named in Fabio Capello's squad along with five other Villans.

Emile Heskey, who is a member of that quintet, may also miss out due to an Achilles tendon problem picked up in the 2-0 win at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Caution is the name of the game for the Villa players who won't want to risk injury ahead of Villa's hectic February schedule.

O'Neill's men face five games in just 14 days, which means that the squad must be kept as fresh as possible. The Northern Irishman will hope that both Young and Heskey's injuries are not too serious.

And, he will be looking on in angst should James Milner, Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Curtis Davies all be selected to play in Spain.

Barry is the most likely starter but he misses the weekend trip to Everton because of a ban, so there is some respite for the current Villa skipper.

For Young, it is an opportunity to stake a claim missed, but he will be hoping that more chances lie ahead as he continues his fine club form.