Young: Cleverley can be England star

ASHLEY YOUNG has backed new Manchester United team-mate Tom Cleverley to grasp his England opportunity with both hands.

Less than 24 hours after his outstanding second-half cameo in the Community Shield win over Manchester City at Wembley, Cleverley was drafted into Fabio Capello’s squad to face World Cup runners-up Netherlands at Wembley tomorrow night.

The only surprise for Young is that Cleverley, who celebrates his 22nd birthday on Friday, had to wait for injuries to rule out Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick before receiving the good news.

“Tom is worthy of his place in the squad,” said Young.

“I actually thought he might have been in it earlier. It is a massive achievement.”

Meanwhile Frank Lampard was last night ruled out of tomorrow night’s game against the Dutch because of a throat infection.