By Paul Brown

Martin Laursen insists Ashley Young will be up for the battle of rebuilding England's battered reputation following the frustrating World Cup exit, insisting: "He's got the heart of a lion."

Young missed out on the World Cup in South Africa, after being left out of the final 23-man party for the summer showpiece.

And as Fabio Capello looks to win over the critics and usher in a new dawn for England, Laursen is adamant the wing wizard is just the sort of player he'll need on his side.

He said: "I said after he missed out on the final squad that his time will come - and here it is again.

"I have absolutely no doubt about he'll be a big player for his country in the coming years.

"If he continues performing for Villa and working hard in training, he'll be important, no doubt.

"I am a big fan of Ashley - I always have been.

"He has so much quality. He has mesmerising skill and terrific pace but I have been most impressed with his heart and his character.

"He fights for everything and never gives up. He is still learning all the time and the key is that he wants to learn.

"I think he deserves real praise for the way he has developed his game. He is so, so good now.

"Everyone knows about him in the Premier League because he has improved every season. The defenders are hard on him because of that.

"But he never backs off and never shirks away from a battle. He is a fighter. He may be small in stature but he has the heart of a lion.

"He's not the biggest but he stands up when they kick him. He is not afraid.

"He'll be delighted with this call-up and I'm sure he will also have a lot of desire to play well and prove that it was wrong to leave him behind.

"He will also be fresh because he had the summer to relax and get ready for the new season."