Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill backs Gab for regular spot
Agbonlahor has been recalled by Capello for the World Cup double-header, away to Ukraine on Saturday and at home to Belarus next Wednesday.[LNB]It would appear he is vying with Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, left out of the squad while he recovers from a broken hand, for one of the strikers' spots in next summer's finals in South Africa.[LNB]O'Neill does not believe Agbonlahor was at his best when he last appeared for his country against Spain in February but, after being left out of the squad ever since, the Villa boss now reckons the striker can now nail down a regular place.[LNB]Agbonlahor has scored in five successive matches, his goals ranging from a header to an explosive run and finish and a deft near-post flick.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Gabby has played splendidly since the start of the season.[LNB]"Last season he played centre-forward on his own for three months and played it as if he had been in the role all of his life.[LNB]"But now he has got a few great goals as well, which helps. Goalscorers always seem to be the centre of attraction. When you score goals like the ones he has, then you are putting yourself into focus - which is great, really pleasing.[LNB]"When I am talking about focus, I am talking about something outside of Aston Villa - meaning England.[LNB]"It doesn't matter if you are a provider for other people - that's okay for a week, two week, three weeks - but eventually, if you want to play with the same degree of confidence, then a few goals help.[LNB]"I said to him at the start of the season that if he can add some goals to his performances, then that would make him hard to ignore (by England)."[LNB]O'Neill has no doubt about Agbonlahor's progress.[LNB]"I have concerns about players who are built up at club level as the potential new star," he admits.[LNB]"Then they get a little time to try and impress; it doesn't happen for 20 minutes in the game and 'that's it' in some people's eyes.[LNB]"I accept every single minute on a football field is precious and you want to do your very best. But sometimes it is difficult, because you are going into a different environment.[LNB]"You don't know the players as well as you do at club level; you haven't the same camaraderie, and it's a different type of self belief.[LNB]"You have to deal with all of that immediately - plus the fact, in Gabby's case, he was maybe going into the squad when everything wasn't going so rosy for him at club level."[LNB]Things are different now.[LNB]"I think now he is a more mature player," said O'Neill.[LNB]"I think he is coming to terms with all of those things. I think he realises that - while you all talk about working hard at your game - he is trying to do something about it.[LNB]"I would like him to get another chance with England - and if it is in a competitive game, having qualified for the World Cup, I would be delighted."[LNB][LNB]
