Gabriel Agbonlahor has become one of English football's brightest young prospects - and this is only the start of his second full season. Since David O'Leary handed the youngster his debut at Everton, he has gone from strength to strength. He is now an important member of Martin O'Neill's squad at Villa and has also established himself in Stuart Pearce's Under 21 squad, playing a key role in last night's 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. With Steve McClaren always on the look-out for more quality, pacey strikers, there may be a gap in the senior squad beckoning. Agbonlahor isn't, however, thinking that far ahead at the moment.
Q:GABBY, YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE WAY IT'S GOING AT VILLA?
A:We felt we had a difficult start to the season but we thought if we could come through that then it would give us something to build on and the last win over West Ham has put us in a good frame of mind for the Manchester United game coming up.
Q:YOUR HOME FORM, IN PARTICULAR, HAS BEEN PRETTY GOOD?
A:We have become difficult to beat at home. That's four wins now and if we can keep doing that and throw in a few away wins as well, that will be good for us and should help push us up the table. I think we showed against Chelsea what we can do at home. We can't be scared of anyone at home. I think we showed that against Chelsea. We lost to last-minute goal against Liverpool and if it hadn't been for that, we would have been unbeaten.
Q:WHY IS THAT? ANY PARTICULAR REASON?
A:I think we have always been pretty good at home. The fans are right behind you and we seem to play well for each other. I think at the moment we have a few players at the top of their game, as well.
Q:MARTIN LAURSEN, IN PARTICULAR, HAS BEEN A ROCK FOR YOU THIS SEASON - AND GARETH BARRY HAS BEEN SUPERB?
A:Yes. I think if Martin saw a stone coming towards him, he'd try and head it away. He's that type. We try to steer clear of him in training to be honest. And we are all delighted for Gareth that he has done so well. I think everyone at the club is pleased for him. Gareth works really hard, every week and we are all made up for him that he has done so well with England.
Q:HOW HAS NIGEL REO-COKER SETTLED IN?
A:Well, I think. He had a difficult game against West Ham. Everyone knew what went on and it was a bit niggly. But he kept his head well and that was important. I knew him from the Under 21s and he's a strong personality.
Q:AND HOW IS IT GOING FOR YOU?
A:I've been pretty pleased, yes, with the way I've been playing. Every footballer will tell you that there is room for improvement and I'm no different in that respect. It's a question of getting your head down and doing the work that got you this far.
Q:YOU HAVEN'T BEATEN UNITED IN 12 YEARS - ANY WORRIES THERE?
A:I didn't know that. They were flying last season, weren't they. But the league is strange. You can beat the top teams one week and then lose to the bottom teams the week after. We need some consistency, really. I'm looking forward to that game. Hopefully we can get something out of it.
