Aston Villa boss gives under-fire Agbonlahor a private pep talk

Mar 20 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

“He’s no different to any other centre-forward. He thrives on goals.

“He was deprived of one from the dubious goals thing against West Bromwich Albion. To me that is his goal.”

Agbonlahor has scored 10 league goals this season, second only to Kevin Davies as an Englishman in the top flight.

Referring to the weekend jibes of the Villa supporters when he was substituted, O’Neill added: “I don’t know whether it’s been overblown or become a big issue.

“He’s been a permanent fixture since I’ve been at the football club and he didn’t deserve that.

“He’s had a couple of renewals of contract which he has deserved and he has done wonders for us.

“When John Carew was injured and couldn’t kick a ball for over three months, Gabby took on the mantle of playing as a lone centre-forward, something that he’d never done before and he was absolutely splendid for us.

“It is very difficult to go through a whole season and play every game and play to your capabilities every single week.

“Gabby hasn’t missed a game for us in terms of the Premier League. There have been times when he has not been physically absolutely right, but he’ll go out and play.

“He’s one of a number at the football club who put themselves out and who will do that.”