Gabby thrilled to make Fab squad

Feb 1 2008

GABRIEL Agbonlahor spoke of his pride and the "tremendous honour" of being called into Fabio Capello's first England squad.

The seven-goal leading scorer has been in fine form for Villa for 18 months and his inclusion was, although not inevitable, certainly less of a shock than Curtis Davies' call-up.

"It's brilliant to make the step up,'' Agbonlahor said.

"Everybody has been saying things about me all season but I've just tried to concentrate on playing my game."

Agbonlahor turned down Nigeria and Scotland to wait for his England chance.

And he says he owes a debt of gratitude to Martin O'Neill.

He added: "I want to keep improving and I've worked hard to get to this point. The gaffer has been great and he's never stopped encouraging me.

"I feel I'm a much better player this season and I've learned a lot and I'm delighted I'm in.

"I just hope I stay in at the weekend and the thought of joining up with a senior England squad is a tremendous honour. But I won't take that for granted until after the weekend."