• Premier League

Houllier 'killed' my England career - Agbonlahor

ESPN staff
September 16, 2011
Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored twice for Aston Villa this season © Getty Images
Enlarge

Gabriel Agbonlahor has accused former Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier of ruining his England career.

The 24-year-old has not featured for England in nearly two years, and he blames Houllier and assistant Gary McAllister, claiming his inability to hold down a place in Villa's starting XI last season scuppered his chances of a call-up.

"Last season killed me a lot," Agbonlahor said. "I feel I have to start again with England now. It was a season to forget. The set-up was frustrating.

"One game you would score, the next game you would be on the bench. I was not used to it. Luckily the manager left and McAllister left as well."

Agbonlahor, who scored five goals in a testing season for Villa last term, already has two goals to his name this season, and he hopes a good run of form will attract the interest of England manager Fabio Capello.

"Euro 2012 is still a target," he said. "Anything can happen with injuries and people can lose their form. The new manager has given me a chance.

"England have really good players but if I could get that chance, then I would be excited by it. Hopefully I'll steer clear of injuries and play well for Villa."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices