England & Aston Villa’s Ashley Young: I can play at the highest level

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England and Aston Villa‘s Ashley Young has admitted that he wants to play “at the highest level” by participating in the Champions League, European Championship and the World Cup at some point.

The Three Lions attacker was initially left out of the starting line-up against Switzerland, but came on and put in a strong performance that was capped with scoring the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

The former Watford man’s showing in the Euro 2012 qualifier only served to add more fuel the the fires of speculation, as he has only one year left on his current contract with Villa.

“I’ve always had the belief I can play at the highest level,” Young told reporters.

“I’ve always had self-belief. I’ve always had the confidence I can play at the highest level.

“I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League.

“As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League – and hopefully one day I will.

“People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I’m 26 next month so hopefully I’m coming into my prime.”

Young, who was chosen as the Man of the Match against Switzerland, only came on during the second-half of the game against Switzerland.

“I was disappointed not to start, but I wasn’t the only one. All the players on the bench want to be in the starting 11,” he said.

“I came on at half-time and grabbed it with two hands. Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to do the same thing.

“We found out the team in the morning and I had to get it into my head that I wasn’t going to start.

“At half-time the manager told me to go out and play as I’ve been playing and as I’ve been training, and that’s what I felt I did when I came on.

“It was great to score a goal, and even nicer to get man of the match, but I’d have swapped them both for three points.”

Young has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United.