Emile Heskey backs Aston Villa pal Agbonlahor

Aug 11 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

EMILE Heskey today backed Villa strike partner Gabby Agbonlahor to overcome his England omission and come back firing after benefiting from an extended break.

Fabio Capello has included Heskey, Ashley Young and James Milner in his Three Lions squad for tomorrow’s friendly in Holland but there is no place for Agbonlahor.

The Brummie striker only resumed training early last week and got his first taste of pre-season action when he started Saturday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Fiorentina.

And Heskey believes Villa will reap the rewards of Martin O’Neill’s decision to allow Agbonlahor more rest following his Under-21 European Championship exertions.

“I agree with the manager’s decision to give Gabby extra time off,” said Heskey.

“It was a really long season for him and you’ve got to remember he’s only 22.

“It’s one of the longest seasons he’s probably ever played and then he’s had to go away with the international squad and carry on playing again.

“He’s had to keep training and he’s probably had to do a fitness assessment there as well and then they’ve got all the way to the final.

“Mentally it’s been tough as well as physically so he’s definitely needed those few weeks off.”

Heskey is predicting that Agbonlahor could be a force to be reckoned with for club and country when he gets up and running in the new season.