Gabby targets England call

Agbonlahor keen to force his way into Capello's plans

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 6th April 2008

Agbonlahor Gabriel

Agbonlahor: International ambitions

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Gabriel Agbonlahor is determined to force his way back into Fabio Capello's plans after being left out of the final England squad for last month's friendly with France.

The Aston Villa forward was selected in the 23-man squad for Capello's first game against Switzerland but had to withdraw due to injury.

He then failed to make the cut for the international at Stade de France, although he is ready to admit that he has not been at his best in recent games for Villa.

There were signs of a return to form as Agbonlahor ended a four-month scoring drought in the 4-0 victory over Bolton, and the 21-year-old is now hoping to get another chance with England.

He said: "It was difficult to take after being in the initial 30-man party but it shows I'm in Mr Capello's mind so I've got to keep trying to perform and hopefully I'll get back in there.

"It shows you are on the brink, which is a good thing. It's a massive buzz to get into the top 30 players in the country and it's better to be called up and then left out than to be nowhere near the manager's plans in the first place.

"I'm hoping it is third time lucky for me in the next game and that I'll stay in the manager's mind. You can't sulk about it. There were a few players who didn't get into the final squad.

"Look at Jermain Defoe, who has been banging in the goals and still can't get in.

Still time

"You can't be too upset about being left out. You've just got to think 'I've got where I am, now I've just got to keep improving and try and get right to the top'.

"It doesn't knock your confidence because I know that I'm still young and I've got all my career ahead of me to play for my country."

Agbonlahor insists he felt no extra pressure over his lack of goals before the win against Bolton, but hopes his latest success can help him recapture his top form.

He said: "I think I started off quite well and for two thirds of the season I've been really good but since then my form has dipped.

"I don't know why. It would be the easy way out to say 'I'm tired' but I don't feel that tired.

"As for the goals situation, I've not been worried. They were coming quite regularly earlier in the season and I've felt it was just a matter of time before they came again for me."