Villa boss Paul Lambert salutes Gabby Agbonlahor

The 26-year-old has rediscovered his scoring touch with four goals in his last nine games as Villa battle to escape the Premier League drop.

He is one goal away from equalling Dwight Yorke's Villa record of 60 Premier League goals after firing five this season.

And Lambert praised Agbonlahor, who has eight in all competitions, for coming through his sticky patch to find the goals to boost Villa's survival bid.

Lambert said: "This year he's added goals to his game which is major for him and us.

"He had hardly scored in a year which is a long time for someone of his ability. In the last few months he has added goals and that's why he is enjoying his football even more.

"He's playing extremely well at the minute and if we can keep him, Charles (N'Zogbia), Christian (Benteke) and Andi (Weimann) fit, we've got loads of options there upfront.

"The one thing lacking in his game was goals. His stats from that point of view up to the West Brom game weren't great.

"But what he does bring is genuine pace to the game and a threat. But he has added goals and that's why he is enjoying it. He looks really sharp in training."

Benteke and Weimann have taken the spotlight away from Agbonlahor, who is now playing under his fifth full-time Villa boss.

He went from November 2011 to November 2012 without scoring before bagging the winner over Sunderland.

And with Villa third-from-bottom in the top flight Lambert applauded Agbonlahor's attitude, including his ambassador work with club charity Acorns.

He added: "He is a good lad. He has been brilliant for Acorns, a major ambassador for that which speaks volumes for his character. He has been great for me since I was here.

"He's loving his football and when Gabby gets a run at you, there are not many people going to catch him."