Scots trying to tempt Agbonlahor

Jun 11 2007

ALEX McLeish is hoping to convince Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to turn his back on England and play for Scotland instead.

The 20-year-old was born south of the border but a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother means he is eligible to play for three countries.

Agbonlahor has already played for the England Under-21s on three occasions but has angered boss Stuart Pearce for failing to respond to phone calls while on holiday after being called up for the UEFA Under-21 Championships.

The dispute could now pave the way for a Scotland career.

Former Villa number two Roy Aitken - now part of McLeish's coaching team - has been keeping tabs on the young forward, as well as Derby's Steve Howard and James Morrison of Middlesbrough.

"It's part of my job working for Scotland but based in England to keep up to date with things," Aitken told the Sunday Post.

"I speak to club managers all the time concerning players eligible to play for Scotland.

"Gabriel certainly comes into that category, as does James Morrison at Middlesbrough, despite being born in Darlington."