Bent: Agbonlahor is my perfect partner for England

DARREN BENT believes his lethal Aston Villa strike partnership with Gabriel Agbonlahor can be transferred to international level with England.

Bent netted twice and Agbonlahor once as Villa overcame visitorsNorwich 3-2 on Saturday.

Bent is now an established member of the England side, with four goals in his last five appearances for his country.

But he is confident that Agbonlahor, who set up his two goals against the Canaries, could also make the step up if chosen by Fabio Capello.

Bent said: “Everyone knows that there is a void there to be filled by England next summer (at Euro 2012) with Wayne Rooney suspended for the opening three games (pending an appeal).

“There is no reason why myself and Gabby cannot get in the England team together and it should help England that we play week in and week out together at club level.

“There is no doubt that Gabby is right on top of his game and he has really stepped forward and up to the mark this season.”

Agbonlahor struggled to find his best form during a difficult campaign under Gerard Houllier but has been back to his best under new Villa boss Alex McLeish.

But McLeish has challenged him to produce his top form every week if he is to become a top-class player.

The Scot said: “Gabby is showing a phenomenal appetite for things right now. Long may that continue.

“For guys like Gabby, when the expectation levels are there to produce something on the day, that’s the pressure for them and all top players.

“If he is going to be a top player and play for England as well, he’s got to do that every week.’’

McLeish was pleased his side showed the resilience to hold on for victory after dropping nine points from winning positions this season.

He said: “Credit the players for the mental toughness they showed at the end. They’ve lost sucker goals this season.

“But they held firm and that’s great credit to them and we’ve got to build on that.’’

Canaries boss Paul Lambert was unhappy with his side’s defending but has taken heart from their general form since being promoted.

He said: “We got off to a great start but then lost a silly goal for their equaliser and an even worse one in the second half.

“We just couldn’t pull it around. It was just one game too many for us to try and pull it back.”

Anthony Pilkington’s stunning free-kick put Norwich ahead but then Bent and Agbonlahor took command with their three-goal show before Steve Morison’s reply set up a thrilling finale.