Young - Gabby as fast as Theo

Defender eager for European glory

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 1st November 2008

Young - Gabby as fast as Theo

Young: Wants Euro success

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Luke Young believes Gabriel Agbonlahor can keep up with the likes of Theo Walcott and cement his place in the England squad.

Agbonlahor has had to bide his time for an England cap whilst Walcott seems to have secured his place in the side thanks to an impressive hat-trick against Croatia.

In Fabio Capello's first game in charge, the Italian called-up the exciting Aston Villa forward to face Switzerland, but the 22-year-old was forced to withdraw from the squad because of a hamstring injury.

Since then, the Villa youngster has continued his rich vein of form for his club along with team-mate Ashley Young, with both contenders for an England appearance in the friendly international against Germany on November 19.

On form

"Is Agbonlahor the quickest in the Premier League? He has definitely got to be there or thereabouts with the likes of Theo Walcott and people like that," Villa defender Luke Young said.

"When Gabby is on form and flying, he is very difficult to keep up with and he is also scoring goals.

"He is so fast that, once he is away, you are not going to get back at him as a few defenders have already found out to their cost this season.

"But there is more to his game than just going in behind defences. He can link up play as well and is growing into a very good striker for us.

"Gabby is knocking on the (England) door now with a little bit of a lack of strikers for Fabio Capello to pick. Gabby and Ashley (Young) are there or thereabouts," the 29-year-old added.

Relishing

The former Middlesbrough man is enjoying his first season at Villa Park, since signing for an undisclosed fee, and is determined to help the side push towards UEFA Cup glory.

"It is early days but this is what I came to the club for - European nights and doing well in the league. At the minute it's been a case of 'so far, so good'.

"I had tasted European football briefly ay Tottenham. That was nine years ago so it's been a long wait to get another taste of it and I'm relishing that chance," Young added.