Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor could complete a fairytale two years by winning his first England cap next week.
Michael Owen’s withdrawal from the squad through a virus has left a gap in Fabio Capello’s squad.
Eleven-goal forward Agbonlahor is in the 31-man training party for the friendlies against the USA at Wembley on Wednesday and Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain a week on Sunday.
Under-21 international Agbonlahor – who has also been courted by Nigeria – has been included in two training squads by Capello.
But he missed out through injury against Switzerland in February then wasn’t picked against France.
The 21-year-old will compete with West Ham’s Dean Ashton for a place as Capello gets his first chance to assess Wayne Rooney.
But the Villa man is determined to make the most of his call-up.
“I’m really pleased to get my call-up after missing out earlier in the season when I got injured at Fulham,” said Agbonlahor.
“It’s great for Gareth Barry and Ashley Young to be in the squad as well and I think it shows just how well Villa have done this season that we’ve got three players in the squad.”
Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the departure of Villa stadium boss Michael Cunnah. The man who orchestrated the new Wembley Stadium for four years left Villa yesterday after just a few months at the club.
Cunnah was never given a title in his short tenure, but oversaw the development in the Trinity Road Stand which is to take place this summer.
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Go on Gabby, do it for your mom!