ASTON VILLA star Gabriel Agbonlahor is hoping his recent performances have been good enough to earn him his first senior England call-up.
The 20-year-old, who is of Nigerian-Scottish parentage, has started brightly this season. His performance in Villa’s 2–0 win against Chelsea is of particular note, so too his excellent goal against Everton last weekend.
The England under-21 player is hoping to emulate the rise of team-mates Ashley Young and Gareth Barry by being in the mix when senior manager Steve McLaren announces his squad ahead of next month’s Euro 2008 qualifiers.
“It helps you to improve your game when you are playing for the under-21s against the best young players from other countries,” said Agbon-lahor.
“As an under-21 player you have to be aiming to break into the full England squad and that’s what I am doing. To play for your country is everyone’s dream.
“Gareth, Ashley and Scott have all been rewarded for performing consistently for Villa by getting an England call, and that’s what I have to do.”
Although usually operating out wide for Villa, Agbonlahor has stated his ambition to start more games in a striker’s role, where England currently have injury problems.
“Up front is my main position. That is where I want to play,” he said.
“If I get the chances, I think I can stick them away, so you never know how many goals I could get.
“But I’ll play anywhere for the team and I’ve got to learn to be versatile… If I can play two positions, it is all for the good. If I get put on the right or left, I don’t mind.
“The gaffer has been telling me to get stuck in, that I need to be like a team player really, not just getting forward but defending as well when I am playing right midfield. I think I am doing that.”
