The Barton incident: Gabby's side

Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has lifted the lid on his bust-up with Joey Barton - admitting he spared the controversial Newcastle player more problems because he "has had enough bad press."

Reports emerged after Newcastle's victory over Villa on Monday alleging that Barton made a racist comment, during a confrontation between the pair following a first-half foul.

Agbonlahor told Villa he did not want them to pursue the matter, while the FA decided not to take any action against the midfielder on reading the referee's report of their St James's Park confrontation.

There was clearly something in their set-to which upset the England Under-21 striker, so Barton will be relieved that Agbonlahor decided not to make anything more of it.

The Villa striker said: "It happened and you try to forget about it. At the time, I wasn't very happy, but he has had enough bad press so I decided to leave it.

"The club decided they would back me, but I just decided that that is the sort of player he is. I thought I'd just leave it."

Agbonlahor is due to face Middlesbrough, even though manager Martin O'Neill is sorely tempted to give him a break .

Brad Friedel, Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker all got a rest but Villa without a front three of Ashley Young, John Carew and Agbonlahor would be a weakened force.

O'Neill is particularly wary of putting too much strain on Agbonlahor.

He said: "Gabby has carried on wonderfully well, he's carried the load. We had thoughts about not even starting him in that game.

"With Marlon Harewood not making the trip, well, Gabby felt alright after the Monday night game so I went with him and Ashley."

"Gabby's had nothing at all in the way of a break; Ashley has had a wee bit of break for the international games. But I don't think either are complaining about it."