Bruce admits he has a difficult decision to make after the forward’s encouraging last week.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has told reporters at his pre-Blackburn Rivers press conference that he has a big decision as to whether to involve Gabriel Agbonlahor this weekend or keep building his fitness in training, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
Agbonlahor made his first first-team appearance since March against Villa’s arch-rivals Birmingham City last weekend after over seven months out of action.
The 30-year-old hit headlines in the latter months of last season after being first suspended by Villa for his off-field actions, before resigning the club captaincy and later being placed on an intensive programme after being accused by then-caretaker boss Eric Black of being unfit to play.
After failing to impress previous boss Roberto di Matteo, failing to make a single appearance in the Italian’s brief reign, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer appears to have been handed a reprieve by new boss Steve Bruce.
His substitute appearance at St. Andrew’s last Sunday, along with his noticeably fitter appearance, have sparked talk that he could be reintroduced on a permanent basis from this weekend.
However, Bruce has admitted that he is unsure whether to throw the 30-year-old straight back into action against Blackburn on Saturday or to instead continue his fitness training programme.
Bruce said, via the Birmingham Mail: “Gabby is on this programme where I decided we were going to involve him last week.
“It wasn’t on the cards, but he was chomping at the bit to help the players so we thought it was appropriate that we include him in that game.
“The big decision I’ve got tomorrow is whether I physically train him all weekend or if he’s involved again.”
He added, via the Villa official website: “The big question is do I include him tomorrow or do I put the physical work into him to see the benefits in three or four weeks?”
Just to see Agbonlahor pull on a Villa shirt again has been a surprise to many, with pundits and fans alike calling for his exit over the last few months.
If he is involved in any capacity against Rovers tomorrow it would surely signal a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the man many thought was washed-up and bound for the Villa Park exit door.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
