Football News : Agbonlahor on Ronaldo's level - Petrov

By ESPN staff

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov believes striker Gabriel Agbonlahor deserves to be discussed in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Gabriel Agbonlahor: Man of the match against Wigan

• Agbonlahor inspires Villa win

Agbonlahor has been given a fresh lease of life under new Villa boss Alex McLeish, netting four Premier League goals in seven appearances this season.

After he inspired Villa to a 2-0 victory over Wigan at the weekend, there were suggestions he would be named in Fabio Capello's England squad to face Montenegro on Friday - but he was left out, having picked up a back injury against the Latics.

Petrov expects Agbonlahor to play his way back into England contention over the coming months, however. "People talk about Ronaldo, but when you look at the assets of Gabby, you can put him in the same bracket," Petrov said in the Daily Star.

"I have always said to him, 'You don't know how good you are and the ability you have'. He can take this Premier League by storm. Not many people have what he's got.

"He has the strength, the speed, he scores goals and he creates them. I'm trying to give him the encouragement. I thought Gabby was absolutely outstanding in the win over Wigan. That's the Gabby we know, taking people on. Players are so scared of his pace. The game against Wigan was all about Gabby. He was brilliant."