England under-18s coach Kevin Betsy heaped praise on Brad Young after the forward helped Aston Villa to a historic FA Youth Cup final victory against Liverpool.
Kevin Betsy said: “We talked before the game about the home advantage and Villa have taken it exceptionally well. That’s a really good ball there from (Hayden) Lindley. A bit of eye contact there from Brad Young, a bit of telepathic communication. It’s a great run. He’s top class. A great bit of improvisation there – and to have the confidence (to take the penalty).”
Young, 18, had the beating of Liverpool’s defence and went close to grabbing another goal shortly after but struck the post
Kevin Betsy said: “He’s very confident, Brad. He runs the channels well, he’ll hold the ball up for his team and he’s been a threat all evening.”
The 4,406 supporters inside Villa Park watched Liverpool pull one back through Melkamu Frauendorf, setting up a nervy finish. But the hosts held on for a brilliant win, ensuring the club’s first FA Youth Cup final in more than a decade ended in triumph.