Angel - Gabriel will soar

Outgoing Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel is predicting a “tremendous future” for Gabriel Agbonlahor – if he maintains the work ethic and desire to learn he has shown this season.

The form of Agbonlahor is one of the reasons why Angel has become surplus to requirements – and decided to head to the United States with Major League soccer side New York Red Bulls on a three-year contract.

The England Under-21 player in intially sparkled on the wing but has now moved into a central striking role where he has scored three goals in the last four games.

Angel has confidence in Agbonlahor – and some of the other youngsters in Martin O’Neill’s squad – to go on and prove their worth in the years to come.

He told PA Sport: “They have got all the abilities to do well in the league and in football if they want to. Gabby (Agbonlahor) in particular has a lot of potential.

“He has an asset that is very important now – tremendous speed – and he has the right people behind him.

“The manager and the coaching staff are looking after him very well, they are trying to protect him and they are trying to do the best for him.

“If he keeps focused, and keeps learning and willing to work as he has been this season, then he is going to be a tremendous asset for this football club with a tremendous future in the game.”

Angel added: “I don’t know how good he can be. Only time will tell. To be honest it’s up to him how good he wants to be. He has to learn a few things still but then he is still young.

“He has the physical abilities to do whatever he wants. He has it all in his game.”