Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish dismisses Darren Bent exit rumours

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has dismissed speculation that Darren Bent could leave the club, and praised former Villa star Ashley Young ahead of his return to the club with Manchester United.

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Bent has been a stand-out performer in Villa's so far indifferent start to the season, leading to suggestions the England striker is unhappy at Villa Park. But McLeish has brushed off the rumours.

Asked if he thought Bent was considering leaving, McLeish told reporters: "I don't think so. I've not heard anything. As far as I'm concerned, he's here for the long run.

"We need him. He's a terrific finisher. Sometimes he only needs one chance. That's the value of someone like Darren Bent.

"If we can create one or two sniffs [of a goal], then Darren will be in there."

McLeish has also praised Ashley Young, despite the England man having moved from Villa to Manchester United in the summer, claiming he earned his move to the Premier League champions.

"Ashley is a great player. Reading his story was fascinating about how he was discarded as a youngster and had the determination to make himself a top pro.

"It's a brilliant story that any youngster should read. He's been a real success story. He's a dangerous player and going to United has not affected him.

"He's not fazed by it and he's almost taken up the gauntlet in showing the other United players how good he is.

"Ashley staying here was never going to happen. I knew that from day one after I came here.

"The club tried very hard but it's difficult when one of the top clubs in the world comes in.

"If there was any chance, I would have tried because you don't want to lose the top players."

Aston Villa have not beaten Manchester United in 16 years at Villa Park, but McLeish feels that is the perfect statistic to motivate his players.

"Someday a Villa team will beat United at home. I've got to believe it will be us and the players have to believe that too.

"United are not unbeatable, we've seen that. They are formidable and we have to be at it, firing at 100 per cent.

"We have to have concentration levels like never before to beat them."