Source: Daily_Mail
Agbonlahor plays his own game to shut out the Aston Villa boo-boys
Gabriel Agbonlahor admits he was upset to be the target of abuse from Aston Villa fans but is now resolved to ignore feedback from the terraces, whether good or bad.[LNB] Agbonlahor has enjoyed an impressive season in Villa's colours having scored 11 goals in 32 Premier League appearances and made his international debut with England. [LNB]But that did not stop some sections of the club's support from booing him when he was substituted during a defeat to Tottenham on March 15. [LNB][LNB][LNB] No more: Agbonlahor is refusing to let the crowd get to him[LNB]For a born-and-bred Brummie, Agbonlahor has conceded that the abuse was difficult to hear, even if he believes it did stem from the fans' frustration with a poor run of form from Martin O'Neill's side. [LNB]'Yes, that was a bit upsetting', the Agbonlahor told the Daily Telegraph. 'You don't expect that from your own fans. [LNB]'Ever since I started here I've always had the crowd on my side, cheering my name and stuff. So to have that happen didn't feel right. [LNB]'I don't really know why they did it. They were probably upset because they'd been used to seeing us win games and in the top four for a long time. Maybe they wanted to take it out on someone. [LNB]'But that's fans for you. It's not just at Villa, it's the same at most clubs. Eboue got it at Arsenal, didn't he? If they're used to winning games they turn quite quickly and look for people to blame when things go wrong. [LNB][LNB][LNB] National servive: Agbonlahor is tipped for a bright future with England[LNB]'I think to myself, if they want to do that then I'll block it out and just play my own game. Pretend I can't hear them, even when I start playing well again.'[LNB] Agbonlahor also stated he is ready to play for the England Under 21 side in their European Championship campaign this summer should Fabio Capello instruct him to do so. [LNB]Two years ago the forward went AWOL before the same tournament in Holland but does not regret that decision, even if he appears unwilling to risk a repeat with Capello shaping his squad for the 2010 World Cup. [LNB]'I don't know what's going to happen yet,' Agbonlahor added. 'Obviously, it's been a long season. That showed last week with my hamstring injury. But it's not down to me. If he [Capello] says you have to go then you have to go. [LNB]'I played nearly every game that season and my legs felt a bit tired at the end. I also had a niggling injury which I didn't want to make worse. [LNB]'It was my choice not to go then and I wouldn't change it now because it's helped me to stay fit in the two seasons since.'[LNB] Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill confident Petrov will sign new dealClub-by-club guide to next term's Premier League season tickets prices Villa boss O'Neill lines up Everton's Lescott to replace crocked LaursenBag your own Arshavin: Six more stars to snare from Russia with loveASTON VILLA FC
