Sunday 8 January 2017 20:52, UK
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has challenged Gabriel Agbonlahor to become his go-to-guy in the absence of Jonathan Kodjia, who is away on African Cup of Nations duty.
Bruce handed Agbonlahor only his third start of the season in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round defeat at Tottenham.
The striker played the lone striker role and could have given Villa the lead when his close-range finish was blocked by Toby Alderweireld in the second half.
"Gabby has played all his life in the big league," Bruce said. "Whatever has happened in the past - and we all know the stories - we have now got him in some sort of shape. I thought he lasted extremely well and was a threat.
"It's up to him now to grasp the opportunity in January in particular. In the three months I've been here he has done everything asked of him after what's been a difficult time for him."
Bruce also confirmed the club had made an approach for Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury but said they still face competition for the 26-year-old.
"We have made an enquiry but four other clubs have too," Bruce said. "We believe he is for sale but that hasn't been confirmed yet."
