EMILE Heskey is convinced Gabby Agbonlahor’s potent partnership with Darren Bent will lift the Brummie striker’s gloom over his England woe.

Heskey believes Agbonlahor can still stake a claim for Euro 2012 despite pulling out of the latest get-together for the friendly wins over Spain an Sweden with a hamstring strain.

Contrary to question marks which have surfaced about Agbonlahor’s commitment to his country, Heskey admits the injury-enforced England withdrawal has hit his fellow forward hard.

“It was upsetting for Gabby,” said Heskey. “I thought his call-up was thoroughly merited.

“He’s been brilliant. He’s really stepped his game up this season. He’s been fantastic. It was very frustrating for him to pull out.

“You could see that frustration in him at what happened, but he’s got to keep going and just keep believing in himself.

“He’s playing as well as any striker in the top flight. He’s not only showing great pace and a terrific work ethic for the team, he’s getting the goals too. That’s been superb.

“But he’s a team player, too. He’s been brilliant working back and getting forward. Long may that continue.”

Heskey has been impressed by the attacking combination of Agbonlahor and Bent which has already yielded ten Premier League goals for Villa so far this season. The veteran frontman knows from his famed partnership with Michael Owen for England and Liverpool that it can take time and hard work for strike duos to click.

“I think Gabby and Benty can flourish for Villa and England too – why not?” said Heskey.