Young says he deserved penalty
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Your support makes all the difference.Ashley Young claims he was fouled not once but twice when he was booked for diving in England's European Championship qualifying draw with Montenegro.
Aston Villa winger Young was at the centre of one of two second-half penalty claims during last night's goalless game at Wembley.
The 25-year-old threw himself to the ground theatrically when he collided with Miodrag Dzudovic in the area, moments after appearing to be tugged back on the edge of the box by another defender.
German referee Manuel Grafe ignored the first incident and cautioned Young for making a meal of the second.
But the former Watford star denied diving deliberately, saying: "I felt there was a foul beforehand in the first phase of play that didn't get given and I just couldn't do anything to get out of the way of the player coming in.
"I thought it was a penalty but that's the way things go. We didn't get it and we've just got to get on with it."
Montenegro survived a much more convincing penalty appeal later on, moments after Young had been replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"It was a massive shout for handball," Young said. "I think their player was stunned that he got away with it.
"You can't say anything bad about the referees and linesmen these days so it's one of those unfortunate things and we've just got to get on with it."
And despite failing to reclaim top spot from their opponents in Group G, Young is confident England's destiny is still in their own hands.
"Of course it is," he added. "We know each game's going to be tough but we've all got confidence in each other that we can go out there and get the wins that we need to qualify from the group."
Young was handed his first competitive start for his country last night and added: "I really enjoyed it.
"Unfortunately, we didn't get the win but, on a personal basis, I thought I did well and fingers crossed I can be in the next squad."
The next competitive game is not until March and Young admitted he was frustrated at being forced to wait so long to make amends.
"Of course I am," he said. "We want to put that right and get ourselves back to the top of the group straight away.
"We need to be prepared when the next qualifier comes up."
Young was limping as he left Wembley with a knock but added: "Fingers crossed. I reckon it'll be okay but we'll just have to wait and see."
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