Gabby looks up to father figure
Gabby Agbonlahor has always credited dad Samson as one of his biggest career influences – but there is another 'father figure' in his life.
Ironically, the absence of 6ft 4in strike partner John Carew, a player not so long ago many believed Villa could not cope without, has coincided with the best couple of months of the 22-year-old's fledgling career.
The Arsenal defence had no answer to him as he single-handedly spearheaded Villa's attack with a in the thrilling November win at the Emirates. Martin O'Neill's men arrived at Sunderland unbeaten in the Premier League ever since.
There have been goals too. No Englishman has scored more in the top-flight this term and, last but not least, came a first England cap in the November friendly with Germany.
Not exactly the mark of a man crying out for help, is it?
Yet, while his performances might suggest otherwise, 10-goal Agbonlahor concedes he has missed the presence and power of a man he looks up to in more ways than one.
He said: "It's a bit frustrating, because we've done well with John in the last couple of seasons so hopefully he'll be back soon. We've shown we can cope and we've shown, if anyone does get injured, we can still do well with the squad we've got.
"But I have missed John. He's like a father figure to be fair. He's got a lot of experience in the game so you can learn a lot from him. I've learned how to hold the ball up, because of how strong he is and just things like that really."
The absence of the Norwegian, who has been nagged by back problems since October, has been shrouded in mystery with Villa unable to put a return date on the former Lyon, Roma and Valencia man's return.
His agent Per Flod even suggested the striker could be miss much of the remainder of the campaign, although those claims were swiftly scotched this week by Villa manager O'Neill.
There was good news this week though, when it was confirmed Carew had resumed light training. According to Agbonlahor, the sooner he returns to lighten the burden, the better it will be for him and the team.
He said: "I'm not sure how long he's going to be out for, but it would be good to have him back. John's height's the main thing for us and just his physique. That big figure up front makes it difficult for defenders to cope."
On current form, Agbonlahor looks a dead cert to be involved in Fabio Capello's England plans for next month's friendly against Spain in a squad taking in on an increasingly claret and blue complexion.
Gareth Barry has recently been joined by Ashley Young, Curtis Davies and Agbonlahor in the set-up, while the Italian coach has already strongly hinted he will take a look at another of Villa's young guns, James Milner.
Te likes of Luke Young, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell will hope Villa's growing profile as the home of English talent will catch the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach's eye ahead of next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Agbonlahor impressed on his debut in Berlin but he admits there is one thing he needs to brush up on if he does win more caps in the future.
He said: "I know bits of the national anthem, but I don't really sing it in case I mess up, so I'd best try and learn it in time for the World Cup! I know I've got a lot of hard work and a lot of improving to do to get called up for England.
"I suppose since I came back from Germany after my debut I have had a bit more attention. It's nice because you don't want to not play well with England and not get picked again.
"So to go there and get positive comments can only be a good thing really. It shows that I can handle the pressure of a big game. I don't really see much of the press but it must be a good thing if you're on the back of the papers and people are saying nice things about you."
