Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill backing Gabby to bounce back
O'Neill has already made clear his displeasure at the reaction of the Villa fans towards Agbonlahor during Sunday's home reversal against Tottenham.[LNB]He has made a point of speaking with the England player and offering words of encouragement ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.[LNB]And O'Neill feels Academy product Agbonlahor has come on "leaps and bounds" as a player during this campaign despite his current goal drought - he has scored just once since netting twice against Bolton in mid December.[LNB]O'Neill said: "I don't know whether this has been overblown or become a big issue, I genuinely don't. But I just gave Gabby a word or two of encouragement because, at the end of the day, he's young and he's absolutely not hiding.[LNB]"Every game can't be as splendid as some of the games that he's produced for us, but his overall contribution this season has been more than excellent.[LNB]"I think Gabby would be as keen as anyone just to add another goal or two and get a bit more confidence back.[LNB]"It sounds crazy to talk about a centre-forward who's done so great for us to be lacking in confidence when last weekend was the first time we dropped out of the top four for three months.[LNB]"He's no different to any other centre forward. He thrives on goals. He loves to score a goal or two.[LNB]"He was deprived of one because of the 'dubious goals' rule against West Bromwich Albion when, to me, that was his goal."[LNB]O'Neill added: "Gabby has been a permanent fixture (in the side) since I've been at the football club and he did not deserve that (treatment from the fans).[LNB]"He's had a couple of renewals of contract, which he has deserved, and I think he has done wonders for us. He has come on leaps and bounds.[LNB]"When John Carew couldn't kick a ball through injury 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.[LNB]"It is very difficult to go through a whole season and play every game and play to your capabilities every single week. We aspire to that but we don't always achieve it.[LNB]"But Gabby hasn't missed a game for us in terms of the Premier League. That in itself is fantastic and he wants to play. There are times where he's not been completely, physically absolutely right, but he'll go out and play.[LNB]"He's one of a number at the football club who put themselves out and who will do that."[LNB]O'Neill is aware of the task facing Villa who, following the trip to Anfield, then have to tackle Manchester United at Old Trafford after the international break.[LNB]He said: "The trip to Anfield is a big test for us. They have done brilliantly and have had two of their best results ever (against Real Madrid and Manchester United). They are in fantastic form.[LNB]"They've beaten Real Madrid so easily it is untrue. It's a big task but I think that's part of the excitement. But we are still in the hunt for a top four place.[LNB]"I don't share this viewpoint that all is lost, absolutely not. We are capable of winning again. We just need to win a game."[LNB][LNB] Liverpool 1/2[LNB], Draw 3/1[LNB], Aston Villa 6/1[LNB]
