By Paul Brown

Ashley Young is desperate to create Europa League elation this week after going through the massive deflation of being knocked out of the competition at the hands of Rapid Vienna a year ago.

Young was in the side which went out to Peter Pacult's men on home soil as Villa and Rapid drew 2-2 on aggregate, with the Austrian club progressing on away goals.

The wing wonder twice won first half penalties and although his own effort was saved, James Milner levelled the aggregate scores with the second shot from 12 yards.

Man mountain John Carew gave Villa hope of progressing with a low strike early in the second half.

But Croatian striker Nikola Jelavic scored the decisive goal from 10 yards late on to knock Villa out.

Young is desperate to make sure he doesn't go through that downbeat emotion again.

He said: "I remember the penalty miss and obviously we got two goals and it felt like we turned the tie around completely.

"But they scored late on and it deflated us and eventually it knocked us out.

"Saying all that, I've got every belief we will get them back at our place and we'll do the job and get the result that we need.

"The away goal we clocked up in Vienna is vitally important - and thoroughly deserved. They were brilliant out there and it is down to whoever plays on Thursday to do the job.

"The Europa League is very important to us - it's another chance to get a medal and get a trophy.

"That is what you want to do - you want to play in the big competitions.

"It is a massive European competition and we want to put in a good performance on Thursday and go through."

Kevin MacDonald's team selection will be very interesting this week to see if he sticks with his youthful line-up from the first leg or opts for more experience.

Young believes Villa's young lions would do the club proud if selected.

He added: "I was delighted with how they have done and ever since Kev has come in and given them a chance, they have been brilliant.

"You look at last Thursday and how many of them were out there playing it was just fantastic. But they have been brilliant throughout pre-season.

"Kev has given them their chance and they have done fantastic for us. Fingers crossed they can keep getting their chance.

"Obviously there is always competition for places and it is fantastic to see that."

Cheer on the lads in the second leg on Thursday - click here for tickets.