Martin O’Neill insists Gabby Agbonlahor is in a fit state of mind to lead the Villa line against Slavia Prague.

Agbonlahor has been at the centre of controversy since Monday evening, when it was alleged Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton made a racist comment towards him during Villa’s 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

The Football Association will not pursue any investigation against Barton, after Villa confirmed neither they or Agbonlahor had any complaint to make over the incident.

O’Neill said: “Gabby is fine. We are all suffering from the disappointment of the Newcastle defeat but we all have to get back on track again.”

“He doesn’t want to talk about it and he doesn’t want to press charges. That’s what he said to me on Tuesday and he has reiterated that.”

As a consequence, the FA now consider the matter closed.

A statement from the FA read: “We FA wrote to Aston Villa to ask for any information the club could provide regarding allegations reported in yesterday’s media, of remarks made by Joey Barton to Gabriel Agbonlahor during Villa’s match against Newcastle on Monday.

“The club has responded to inform us that they have no complaints to make. On this basis, the FA will not be pursuing this matter.”

The game in the Czech capital comes just three days after Villa’s defeat at St James’ Park. They return to league action against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

O’Neill insists he is not too concerned about fixture congestion – yet.

He said: “I am aware that there has been talk about the likes of Newcastle United, with the fact that their run in the UEFA Cup two years ago eventually diminished their chances of finishing highly in the league.

“They had a great run to the quarter-finals and their form in the league dipped in the second half of the season.

“We will have a look at that situation after Christmas. At the moment we should still be in the midst of great enjoyment.”