Gabby Agbonlahor's bid to get Aston Villa all fired up
Gabby Agbonlahor will be part of Villa's travelling party to Sunday's derby at Blues as the striker continues his rehabilitation under new boss Steve Bruce.
The 30-year-old is unlikely to feature in the 18-man match-day squad, though the prospect has not been entirely ruled out by the manager, who has granted the player's request to attend the game. Agbonlahor, the club's longest-serving player, has twice scored the winner in games at St Andrew's and Bruce believes he has a role to play ahead of the first derby at the ground since 2011.
"He's played in these games so his experience will be vital to the squad of players," said Bruce. "Let's be fair, a lot of them haven't experienced it and he can help."
When asked if Agbonlahor, who has not featured in any matchday squad this season, could make the bench, Bruce replied: "It's something I will think on. We have put him on a programme to get in better shape and I don't think I will waver from that. But he came to me on Thursday and wanted to travel with us. That shows signs of improvement from him. It might be a bit early for him but he will be with us."
Agbonlahor has been placed on a six-week training programme by Bruce in a bid to get back into shape and the manager added: "He's done everything we've asked of him in the ten days so far but still has a bit to go. He came to me and said can I come to support the team so it shows you that he's trying his best and wants to get involved. The rest is up to Gabby.
"If we can get him fit and firing then who knows? (For) the second half of the season, he could be like a new signing. At the moment he has got the bit between his teeth which is good to see."
