Young welcomes Cleverley

Ashley Young has congratulated team-mate Tom Cleverley on his first call-up to the England senior squad.

The 21-year-old midfielder was outstanding as United overturned a two-goal deficit against City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday after replacing Michael Carrick at the interval.

With Carrick still struggling with an Achilles problem, and Jack Wilshere also withdrawing from Fabio Capello's party ahead of the clash with Holland, the Italian coach has turned to Cleverley to increase his midfield options.

"He has done terrific in pre-season and when I have seen him," Young told a press conference on Monday. "I think if you saw the game on Sunday, he was brilliant when he came on and he has got a great future ahead of him.

"I’m sure he will be delighted to join up with the squad. He has been tremendous and I’m sure he will go on to be a top player.

"He is confident in his own ability and I’m sure he will come here and do well. He knows a few of the players here and he will be very welcomed into the squad."

Young is concentrating on getting into the starting line-up himself after shining as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Switzerland. The wide man has been splendid form at international level and feels the summer switch to Old Trafford will only enhance his claims.

"Hopefully it will boost my England chances even more so than when I was with Aston Villa," stated the Reds' summer recruit. "I have said that moving to Manchester United will improve my chances of getting a regular starting place.

"As long as I am playing well for Manchester United, fingers crossed, I can start for England as well."