We can conquer Europe says Aston Villa star

Dec 20 2008

duty in Hamburg in midweek after being excused from the trip along with Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and James Milner.

The 22-year-old striker was happy to sit at home and watch the tie on TV, but he is looking forward to being involved when O’Neill names his strongest side possible for the competition proper in February.

“I think you’ve got a bit of time off when you get there but it isn’t a sight-seeing trip – it’s work. I’m too young to remember Villa in Europe so it’s all about creating our own history.”

In Agbonlahor’s absence, Villa have given opportunities to teen sensation Nathan Delfouneso, who has responded with goals against MSK Zilina and Hamburg in his first two senior starts.

Impact

And Villa’s first-choice frontman has been delighted by the impact of potentially the next homegrown hero to follow him off the Bodymoor Heath academy production line.

“He’s like me when I was his age, coming up and trying to get his chance,” added Agbonlahor.

“The way he’s been training and playing I think he’s a good player with a big future at the club.

“It’s hard when you’re tipped as the next big thing at the club, you’ve got to keep proving it and proving it, but he’s got the attributes to become a really good player.

“Maybe he’s the ‘next Gabby Agbonlahor’!”