Martin O'Neill, the Aston Villa manager, has told Ashley Young not to "worry unduly" about being overlooked by England.

Young was not selected by Fabio Capello for the World Cup qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Belarus despite his dazzling form for Villa.

But O'Neill believes the Villa winger will benefit from a fortnight's rest before the hectic schedule facing the midlands club until Christmas.

O'Neill said: "My own view is that I think there is time (with England) and I know he knows that. There is time to do these things and I don't think that he should worry unduly at this minute.

"It's not as if these are the last England games before they fly out to South Africa (for the World Cup). He will get a chance, there is no doubt at all about that."

O'Neill has mixed emotions about his players being on international duty and admits he would prefer them to be resting for the demanding schedule that lies ahead.

He added: "Deep down, for the non-international players, I believe it is good for them to get some respite as from here on in there're no real breaks.

"We will have the European football so this is our last chance to recharge between now and January. The break has come at a good time for the non-international players.

"I think for the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker, Ashley (Young) and Curtis Davies maybe it's a chance to take stock.

"There is kudos to be gained and the football club can gain some sort of reflected glory (from international call-ups). But it would be great for the players to have a rest. However, the games are there to be played and that's the way it is.

"We have got lots of things to negotiate between now and our next game against Portsmouth in 10 days time. We have international players to concern ourselves with. There are Martin Laursen, John Carew, Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov and also the boys at under-21 level.

"They are all away so there are lots of things to consider between now and the next match."