Gabby Agbonlahor says England recognition for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is long overdue.

"It's been really annoying," said young Villa striker Agbonlahor. "We have seen Gareth going away with England and not playing. Now he's had a chance for people to see what he can do and he's taken it. There's no reason why he shouldn't be picked again.

"Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are very good players, but Gareth was a really good fit in there."

Although Villa boss Martin O'Neill said he would have preferred to see Barry on the bench to keep him fresh for his club, he was delighted the man he transformed into a central midfielder took his chance.

"Gareth doesn't go around shouting from the rooftops," said O'Neill. "He has got a quiet self-belief, but he's a splendid footballer.

"He thought he could play at that level and he has. You know Steven Gerrard is a great player. Frank Lampard scores 20 a season from midfield.

"That's worth its weight in gold. But Gareth has given the England manager more than enough to think about.

"Gareth was put in the limelight and let's not forget these two games were of tremendous importance. He was under pressure. He was in the spotlight and he did fantastically. He's delighted with himself and so he should be."