Pearce tips Gabby to shine

England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has tipped Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor to follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and successfully graduate to the senior set-up.

Pearce will again look to Agbonlahor, who turned 22 yesterday, to shoot down Wales in tonight's European Championship play-off second leg at Villa Park, after his stunning goal proved the difference between the sides in Friday's 3-2 win at Ninian Park.

It leaves England with one foot in next summer's finals in Sweden and Pearce believes Agbonlahor – who has already had call-ups from Fabio Capello but has still to win his first senior cap – can make all the difference in front of his home crowd.

Pearce said: "He gives us a cutting edge with his pace and power up front. I think he is a major threat at this level and in the Premier League. He is one of the big driving forces behind Aston Villa when they do well.

"I think there is senior football in him as well. That has to be our aim, to get him into the seniors on a regular basis if we can.

"The players are aware of the continuity that exists (between the under-21 and senior ranks) now. Maybe two years ago with a part-time manager it didn't exist but it does now."

Pearce thinks the Villa hot-shot's explosive pace can be a weapon at senior level, but concedes there is room for improvement.

He said: "I think he is improving but could he do better? Yes. His pace is legendary, I don't think he can improve that.

"But he can work on his sharpness around the box, his goalscoring and his hold-up play – everything and that's the beauty of it."