Gabriel Agbonlahor has thanked England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce for his international recall.
Villa star wants to make up for lost time
Gabriel Agbonlahor has thanked Stuart Pearce for his international recall and is determined to make up for missing this summer's European Championships.
The 20-year-old could not be contacted to confirm his call-up for the tournament in Holland last June and was left behind by Pearce.
Agbonlahor has cleared up the matter with Pearce and he is determined to help England's Under 21s reach the next finals in Sweden in 2009.
In the past
"What happened in the summer before the Championships is in the past and has been put behind us," said Agbonlahor. "I want to be there in Sweden.
"Stuart Pearce has been good about welcoming me back into the squad.
"That has been the best part about it. He has seen how much I am enjoying my football at Villa and gave me that chance. It means a lot."
Scotland and Nigeria were international options for Agbonlahor but he insists he wants to concentrate on England.
Misunderstanding
"There was a slight misunderstanding in the summer but I am just looking at the future," Agbonlahor added.
"I have other choices but England are the team I want to play for and I won't be playing for anyone else."
Agbonlahor has made a successful return to the international fold by contributing in his first games back.
Pearce's young players made the perfect start to their qualifying campaign, with Agbonlahor scoring in a 3-0 win over Montenegro on Friday.
"I really enjoyed Friday night. The team played well as a whole and it was great to get the goal," Agbonlahor said.
"But it wasn't just me. Right throughout the team we showed our strengths. The back four were solid and we looked lively and dangerous in midfield and attack.
"It was really encouraging. Everyone was working their socks off for each other. That is exactly what the gaffer wants.
"I guess it was the perfect way to start the campaign."
Call-up
Agbonlahor has set his sights on emulating Villa team-mate Ashley Young by winning a call-up to the senior set-up.
"Having seen Ashley Young make the step up from under-21s to the full squad gives everyone hope," noted Agbonlahor.
"He has deserved it and I am sure there are more players in this team who have what it takes.
"He has proved that if you can do it at one level, you can do it at another. My main aim is to play for the seniors. It is everyone's dream."
