Young’s ambitions may seem a long way off at present with Villa lying in the bottom half of the Barclays Premiership after winning just two of their last 15 league matches.

But he is confident that Villa will soon be challenging for a top-six spot before setting their sights even higher.

Young said: “Villa is a massive club that wants to be in the top six and I believe that’s what’s going to happen – and even play in the Champions League.

“I’m looking at playing in that competition and I don’t believe it’s just me. It’s the club as a whole.

“If you talk to the manager, the chairman (Randy Lerner) or any of the players, they’ve all got ambition to play in the Champions League.

“Hopefully that will happen as soon as possible. You cannot put a date on when it’s going to happen but it could come sooner than people expect.

“Mr Lerner has stuck to his word and shown he is willing to spend money such as on bringing in new players and the new training ground. He is looking to spend money because he wants the club to go forward.”

Carew also moved to Villa last month from Lyon and has quickly impressed Young who describes the 27-year-old as “my big brother.”

Young said: “He is one of Europe’s best. He has got such a massive reputation from playing in the Champions League. You can only learn from a person like that.

“Things on the pitch have gone well. We have looked to link up and it’s paid off so far. It can only get better the more we play together.

“John has got height and strength and he can also run and finish well. He is quick for his size with great feet and we have a nice balance.

“Some people are saying it’s little and large and others say he’s my bigger brother.

“We have a great relationship off the pitch. We live in the same block of apartments, we come into training together every morning and talk off the pitch as well. He is like my big brother and gives me advice.”