Carew believes Young can make a similiar impact to that of Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley, who impressed when handed his first start for his country by new England coach Fabio Capello in last week's friendly with Switzerland at Wembley.

Young had also been widely tipped in the build-up to the match to be named in the first eleven but instead had to be content with a late substitute's appearance in the 2-1 win.

The former Watford player shook off any disappointment he may have felt with another fine performance in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United and helped Carew to register his first Villa hat-trick.

Carew said: "Ashley is really a young player with a great future . He has done the business for Villa and and I think he can do it for England also.

"People have been talking about David Bentley, who is a very good player, but I think Ashley can have a similar impact with England.

"He causes defenders lots of problems and is also so dangerous at set pieces. Against Newcastle, the delivery from Ashley for my first goal was fantastic and he has done it so many times over the past year."

Meanwhile, Villa manager Martin O'Neill is optimistic Carew's strike partner Gabriel Agbonlahor could be fit for the Barclays Premier League encounter at Reading on 23rd February.

Agbonlahor was forced to withdraw from the England squad with a hamstring injury and also ruled out of the win over Kevin Keegan's side.

O'Neill said: "We don't have a game this coming weekend but I'd be hoping Gabby would be available for the Reading game.

"It is a hamstring strain and he is feeling better every day."