Goal.com

Jun 10, 2012 11:03:00 AM

The Manchester United midfielder has revealed his excitement at the chance he has been given to play in the 'hole' behind the lone striker while club-mate Wayne Rooney sits out

England midfielder Ashley Young has revealed he is relishing the opportunity to play in the conventional No. 10 position behind the main striker while Wayne Rooney serves his suspension.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has given Young the freedom to roam around in the more withdrawn playmaker role, and the Manchester United player has not disappointed so far as he netted the only goal in the friendly against Norway.

The 26-year-old is set to play behind lone striker Danny Welbeck in their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday, and he is eager to impress.

“I played there for a whole season at Aston Villa and enjoyed it then," he told reporters. "I’ve played that role in the last few games, especially with the players in this squad who can find you in those positions in between the opposition midfield and the defenders.

“That’s a nightmare for defenders to defend. I enjoy being able to create in that position. It’s even better when I get on the scoresheet.

"I’m a versatile player. I have been throughout my career: up front, either wing, or off a main striker. I’m a player who wants to be creative, wants to get on the ball. I’m effective in any of those positions."

It is expected that when Wayne Rooney has served his two game suspension, he is likely to come back into the team in the position just off the frontman and Young believes he is a great player to have in the dressing room.

“Wayne’s a world-class player, fantastic to have in the squad and to have around the dressing room.

“He’s been brilliant since he met up with the squad. Everyone’s equal in the [England] squad. We’ve got great, fantastic players in the squad.

"Everyone wants to go out there and do well. We don’t have just one player who’s the best player in the team. Everybody can create.

“Look at the central midfielders, the wingers and the forwards: there are goals in this team. I’m full of confidence."

When England face France, Young is most likely going to have to shake of the attentions of defensive midfielders Yohan Cabaye and Yann M’vila, and he is hopeful of getting the upperhand.

“It’s up to me to use my brain and be clever on the pitch to find the pockets of space and get on the ball,” he said.

Young’s quality and consistency have developed greatly since his move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa. However, despite his good form he did hit the headlines for his over-exuberant falls to the ground during certain Premier League games, but he insists he is not a play-actor.

“I’m not a cheat. I’m not a diver. I won the penalties. Not at all. Not one bit. That’s my character," the winger remarked.

“When you play for Man United, the pressure’s on you every week. Everyone wants to beat Man United, the biggest team in the world.

"I thrive on pressure. I enjoy having a challenge. I remember Sir Alex saying to me when I first joined United that it would be a challenge for me coming here."

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