Source: Team_Talk
Petrov backs Gabby for England
Stiliyan Petrov believes Gabriel Agbonlahor can become a world-class player if he displays his current form on a consistent basis.[LNB] Agbonlahor defied a recurring back problem to score his fourth goal of the season and set up another for Darren Bent in Villa's 2-0 Premier League home win over Wigan on Saturday.[LNB]He has recaptured the form that earned him an England call-up, and put him into contention for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro, although he is due to see a specialist this week.[LNB]It is a far cry from the player who was often used in a wide role last season by then manager Gerard Houllier, and looked disillusioned.[LNB]Petrov said: "Against Wigan is the way Gabby plays - that is his strength. If he manages to use it every game, teams would be scared.[LNB]"Look at Wigan. Every time he picked up the ball they were going backwards because they were scared to go closer to him.[LNB]"That is Gabby. We know what he can do. He does it every day in training and he has been doing it more consistently.[LNB]"That is what makes good players - being consistent every game. That will make you a world-class player."[LNB]Petrov added: "I don't think there should be any doubt about Fabio Capello picking Gabby for England.[LNB]"I wouldn't even think about it. He deserves to be there. He has great ambitions and we will probably see him back in the England jersey."[LNB]That is likely to be delayed given the extent of Agbonlahor's back problem and he is focused on trying to resolve the injury during the international break.[LNB]He said: "I've got a back problem which I'm going to get sorted during the international break.[LNB]"I'm going to see a specialist about it - but overall I feel okay and I feel good about things.[LNB]"The manager [Alex McLeish] knows what I am capable of and has given all the players the confidence to go out and do their best."[LNB]McLeish, who dedicated Villa's win to his father-in-law, Danny Taylor, who died on Thursday, said: "Gabby has got some untapped ability and has surprised me with a few of the things he does.[LNB]"He can become even better and we are working to get the best out of guys like Gabby.[LNB]"But he is getting treatment for a back injury, is having manipulative work every day, and I'm glad we got him off the treatment table to play."[LNB]Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has no regrets about not landing the Villa post during the summer before the appointment of McLeish.[LNB]He said: "Villa is a fantastic club with great tradition but we haven't finished the job at Wigan and I'm honoured and privileged to be the manager of my club.[LNB]"We always had a three-year project and my chairman [Dave Whelan] has been very supportive and loyal and it was my time to be loyal and support him [when Villa were interested].[LNB]"He deserves that and we are really excited about the next aims at Wigan.[LNB]"We are in the seventh season in the Premier League. We are a football dream. I feel we are ready to take that to a different level.[LNB]"I always wanted Wigan not to be a team fighting to avoid relegation."[LNB]Agbonlahor latched onto a through-pass from the impressive Barry Bannan to open the scoring before half-time and then turned creator for Bent with an inviting cross after a 50-yard touchline run.[LNB]Villa's on-loan Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be out for a further month with an Achilles problem and is still to make his debut after signing on transfer deadline day in August.
