O'Neill backs Agbonlahor to pick up where he left off

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Fuming under-21 coach Stuart Pearce was forced to leave Agbonlahor out of his plans after not being able to contact the player in the build-up to the tournament, where England reached the semi-finals.

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Agbonlahor: 'Willing to learn'

O'Neill has since spoken to Pearce, although it was about the future prospects of Agbonlahor rather than conducting an inquest into what happened in the past.

Agbonlahor, who enjoyed a productive first full season with Villa, is also eligible to play for Nigeria and Scotland.

"I've spoken to Stuart Pearce but it wasn't to do with anything that's happened in the past. It was to do with how he perceives the future," said O'Neill.

"It wasn't to do with resolving any kind of situation. I haven't even asked Gabby who he wants to play for. I don't think it was ever in his thoughts to play for anyone else (other than England)."

"But he's qualified to play for Nigeria and Scotland through his family. It's a choice he has to make himself and I'm sure he'll make that decision in consultation with his father. If he has to make a choice, it's up to him.

Agbonlahor has vowed to ensure he is not a one-season wonder after impressing initially in a wide role and then as a central striker for Villa.

O'Neill said: "Gabby did excellently for us last season and played far more games than he would have envisaged when he reported back last summer.

"He played every minute of every game until I took him off at Reading in February and he did really well for us. He knows he has got to go again now but he is willing to learn and wants to improve."