*Ashley Young’s fine winner saw Aston Villa bounce back from last weekend’s humiliation at Chelsea and stay in the hunt for a Champions League place.* The winger curled an exquisite shot into the corner from 18 yards after being teed up by Stephen Warnock. Bolton substitute Ivan Klasnic had the hosts’ best chances, going close to an equaliser on three occasions. But Villa remained largely in control and Gabby Agbonlahor fluffed a great opportunity to double their lead. Young’s decisive contribution after 11 minutes was a welcome tonic for Villa after a difficult week, which was dominated by speculation over Martin O’Neill’s future in the wake of the crushing 7-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. O’Neill, who has publicly committed himself to Villa, called for a strong response from his side and he got his wish. He also received the backing of the Villa fans, who sang his name throughout the game. Villa can be further buoyed by fourth-placed Tottenham’s defeat at Sunderland, which leaves them just four points behind the Londoners That is no mean feat for a team who came into this match on a run of just three wins in 13 league games, culminating in their capitulation in west London. The hangover from that drubbing still seemed to be afflicting Villa in the opening exchanges as they started sloppily, with Bolton’s Tamir Cohen dragging a good chance wide from 15 yards and then seeing his sweet volley saved by Brad Friedel. But the visitors went ahead against the run of play thanks to a moment of class from Young, as Bolton’s defenders were caught napping. The winger picked up Warnock’s pass just inside the area and was given the time to send a precise curling shot into the corner. The goal seemed to deflate the hosts and settle the visitors, who could have extended their lead as Agbonlahor and Young both forced smart stops from Jussi Jaaskelainen Bolton showed no lack of endeavour but created little besides a series of set-pieces, which were easily dealt with by Villa’s towering central defensive duo of James Collins and Richard Dunne. Villa continued to look the more dangerous side after the break, with Downing heading just over from Young’s corner. The introduction of cult hero Klasnic roused the Bolton supporters but the home fans were left berating the Croatian just moments later as he skewed a header wide from a fine Sam Ricketts cross. The substitute was in the thick of it again when he found some space eight yards out and prodded an effort goalwards, only to be denied by the feet of Friedel. At the other end, Jaaskelainen made a point-blank save from Villa substitute Emile Heskey after a searing run down the right from Young. The visitors should have sealed the win when a drop-ball fell kindly for Agbonlahor, who raced clear only to sidefoot wide with just the keeper to beat. Bolton rallied late on as Davies headed Matt Taylor’s corner straight at Friedel and Taylor then had a shot charged down in the box. But Villa held on to greatly improve O’Neill’s state of mind ahead of their next match - an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley next Saturday. Meanwhile, Bolton remain five points clear of the relegation zone but face an anxious few weeks until their Premier League safety is secured.