Villa boss delighted as trio are called up

Aug 17 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O'Neill has spoken of his delight at Gabby Agbonlahor's recall to the England under-21 set-up and revealed the striker never had any intention of opting for Nigeria or Scotland.

Agbonlahor missed the European Championships but joins Luke Moore and Craig Gardner in Stuart Pearce's squad for next week's friendly with Romania at Ashton Gate.

The Villa boss said: "I am delighted for him. Stuart Pearce came up and had a conversation with him on Monday.

"Gabby wants to commit himself to England, and that is very pleasing indeed.

"He has had chances to represent a number of other countries, but his desire is to represent England. I'm really pleased for all three of them."

Gardner has shown his versatility this season at right-back.

O'Neill added: "Craig filled in there last season as an emergency, down at Tottenham.

"In terms of experience, it will do him absolutely no harm, just like Gabby playing wide right when he is essentially a centreforward. You get an appreciation of the game more and in the longer term he will contest midfield positions for us.

"Gabby has the capability of playing wide which he proved last season. He also has the capability of playing up front alongside John Carew."