'Exceptional' striker hailed by Aston Villa boss

Dec 16 2008

MARTIN O'Neill hailed a "sensational performance" from Gabriel Agbonlahor as Aston Villa moved back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Agbonlahor netted twice in the 4-2 home win over Bolton to take his goal tally in all competitions to 10 for the season.

O'Neill said: "Gabby was exceptional. I thought he was terrific last week against Everton as well even though he didn't score. But he got his rewards and I thought his performance was absolutely sensational - and his first goal was a vital part of the game."

He added: "We were finding it difficult after Bolton had scored, which was the last thing we had wanted. They looked quite comfortable at that stage but Gabby's goal was a terrific effort. We needed a piece of magic to equalise and after that I felt we took charge of the game."

Ashley Young again showed he is a handful for most defences after being compared by O'Neill before the game with Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Villa boss said: "Ashley is world class because