Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor gets support from Stiliyan Petrov

Apr 8 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“I think the fans were frustrated with all the team.

“We weren’t winning and they expected us to win that game and we couldn’t do it.

“He was just the victim to be substituted at that time when the fans were really frustrated.

“I don’t think they meant it, it just happened and most fans will probably admit they shouldn’t have reacted that way, but Gabby hasn’t let it get to him.

“He’s been very good. We haven’t really talked about it, but we can see him enjoying working hard and trying to show everybody that he can do it again.”

Since the Spurs game Agbonlahor’s confidence has been boosted by a late recall to the England squad for the World Cup qualifying victory over Ukraine and two more league goals.

The 22-year-old was last week awarded January’s winner against West Brom by the dubious goals panel and took his season Premier League tally to 12 with Sunday’s goal at Old Trafford.

“Fans love people that score goals and Gabby’s been scoring goals,” added Petrov.

“In the last three years he’s been outstanding for us.

“Things went a little bit off for him in the last few games and it’s normal.

“When you’re a striker you need to score goals and when you don’t score goals people turn on you. But Gabby’s been outstanding and he’s come back stronger.”

Petrov knows what it takes to win over Villa Park critics having gone from zero to hero with a recent renaissance following a slow start to his claret and blue career.

And the former Celtic star credits dedication and a willingness to improve for the revival which has made him a firm favourite for Villa’s player of the season awards.

“I’ve always worked hard and I knew that one day if you have ability it will come for you,” added Petrov.

“I don’t put my head up and say I’ve done it now. I need to keep working every day and get better and better.”