Scrolling down the list of top scorers in the Premier League, the shocking lack of any English players becomes apparent. But sandwiched between Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba is Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Despite being half Scottish half Nigerian, the Villa man has represented England at Under-21 level and with the dearth of English forwards at the moment, it will not be long before he gets a chance in the national team.

Agbonlahor’s pedigree is further enhanced when you discover against which teams his goals have come. Four of last year's top six have failed to stop him scoring whilst his fifth and latest goal came in the Second City derbyat Birmingham.

'O'Neill has fashioned Agbonlahor into one of the most exciting young strikers in English football, adding composure and intelligence to his play'


Compare this league record with those already in the England squad. Jermain Defoe, Alan Smith and Peter Crouch have zero goals to their name whilst Michael Owen, with two, and Wayne Rooney, who has four, are also behind him.

This is not to say that Gabby is a better player than Rooney or Owen. In fact, it would be naïve to suggest that he is the finished article. Last season he emerged on the scene boasting blistering pace and an eye for goal. Since then, Martin O’Neill has fashioned him into one of the most exciting young strikers in English football, adding composure and intelligence to his play. O’Neill has also used him in a front two, front three or even on the right side of midfield, so his versatility could prove valuable.

The chance to represent the national side is not a million miles away. Having scored in the recent England Under-21 victory against Bulgaria, Agbonlahor admitted: “Making the international squad is on my mind and I’ve heard a few things and read a few stories.”

Although he has  yet to make the full England squad, he must be very close. Steve McClaren will not make a risky selection in the game against Croatia but he must utilise friendlies carefully if England qualify. Everyone knows what the likes of Owen, Steven Gerrard and John Terry can do, so why not give those on the edge of the squad the chance to make an impact?

If everyone is fit and in-form, then Agbonlahor does not really have much of a chance for Euro 2008, should England qualify. But with Owen, Dean Ashton and Rooney getting injured every other week, a place may open up for him in the squad. The young star admitted recently: "You have to be judged on how you’re playing for your club and I think I’m doing well for Villa.”

If his form continues through to May, and spots do open up in the national team, 2008 could be Agbonlahor's lucky year.