England

v

Germany

 

 

 

UEFA European U21 Championship Play-Off first leg
8pm, Friday 6 October 2006
Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC
Live on Sky Sports

England Under-21s' latest recruit Gabriel Agbonlahor has thanked his new Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill for giving him the opportunity to show what he can do this season.

Agbonlahor has hit two goals in his last two games for Villa, including a well-taken header at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and has earned his place in the England squad to take on Germany in the two-legged UEFA European Championship play-off.

The 19-year-old spent time away from Villa Park last season on loans at Sheffield Wednesday and Watford, but since returning to the club, now managed by O'Neill, he has been in fine form.

"Football has its up and downs," said Agbonlahor ahead of Friday night's first leg in Coventry. "Last season I had a more downs than ups at Watford and Sheffield Wednesday, so it's been exciting for me," he said.

"I came back and got the chance at Villa. Martin O'Neill can take a lot of the credit, he gave everyone a chance in pre-season, picked me in his first game and has had faith in me."

Not only has he impressed the former Celtic manager, though. Agbonlahor's pace and versatility has also caught the eye of England Under-21 Coach Peter Taylor who named him in his latest squad.

"I made my mind up quite a few weeks ago that he would be in the squad," said Taylor. "He's had a terrific start to the season and can play wide right, wide left or down the middle.

"He's very handy, a very confident lad who is quite rightly enjoying his season. I've got the option of playing three in attack or two, and he fits into that. I'm sure he's going to play an important part."

And Agbonlahor, who is also eligible to play international football for Nigeria and Scotland, reveals that England was always his first choice as he hopes to make his debut in front of a 32,000 sell-out crowd at the Ricoh Arena on Friday.

"I can play for Scotland as well because my mum's Scottish. My Dad wants me playing for England first, because that's where I was brought up," said Agbonlahor.

"If I didn't get the chance for England, then he would have wanted me playing for Nigeria, but England is number one."

Though tickets have all been sold, you can also follow the action on TheFA.com or watch live coverage on Sky Sports.