Aston Villa ace Gabriel Agbonlahor: Gerard Houllier ‘killed’ me last season!

Posted Friday, September 16, 2011 by The Sun

GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR blames Gerard Houllier for 'killing' his England hopes.

The Aston Villa striker had the worst run of his career under the French manager last season.

Agbonlahor, 24, said: "Last season killed me a lot, I feel I have to start again with England now.

"It was a season to forget. The set-up was frustrating."

The speedy Villa ace started only 19 games last term in a chaotic campaign, which included a relegation battle with Houllier and assistant Gary McAllister at the helm.

Agbonlahor, who has not featured for England in the last 18 months, added: "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."

Three Lions coach Fabio Capello is a declared admirer of Agbonlahor, who hopes his rejuvenation under new Villa Park chief Alex McLeish puts him back in the reckoning.

He said: "Euro 2012 is still a target. 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."