England coach Fabio Capello saw Young shine in the central midfield role and score twice. He wore the armband in place of long-term skipper Stiliyan Petrov, who declined to take it off Young when offered it as he came on as a late substitute.
Stewart Downing, plus an own goal from Grant Hanley, completed the scoring for Villa while Rovers could only manage a consolation through Nikola Kalinic.
"Ashley is an inspiring leader when he is on the pitch," said Houllier. "I know the captain is Stiliyan when he plays but, when he is not playing, Ashley is a leader because of the efforts he puts in.
"As the game goes on, his efficiency and work-rates goes on as well and does not diminish. I like him to play in that position to be fair. He can be a real specialist.
"He can be a striker and he can also be a link between the midfield and the attack."
Source: PA
Source: PA