Houllier untroubled by Young's delay

The Frenchman is conscious of Young “needing to know about the ambition of the club” before deciding on his future.

Young had intimated earlier this month that he was ready to commit his future to Villa, while Houllier was confident a contract would be signed “sooner rather than later”.

But the player announced yesterday that he wanted to concentrate on his football and any talks over a potential new deal would not happen until the end of the campaign.

The England international will then have only 12 months remaining of the four-year deal he signed in 2008.

Houllier, whose side visit Sunderland today, said: “I am quite happy with what Ashley has said. He loves the fans here, he enjoys his football and, since I’ve come here, he very much enjoys the way he is progressing.”