Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood says he's counting on Gabby Agbonlahor's leadership this season.

Agbonlahor was missing through illness for Saturday's draw with Sunderland having posted a mysterious message online seemingly responding to criticism from fans of his early-season form by suggesting he has issues to contemplate.

"I haven't spoke to Gabby and I don't know what he is thinking but he is club captain," said Sherwood.

"He has to realise no-one is going to like you all of the time. I realised that when I played through my career. You get ups and downs. When you come through it you get stronger.

"He has a huge part to play because we bought a lot of new boys into the club and even if he doesn't give us that on the pitch, the likes of him, Ciaran Clark and Ashley Westwood have a crucial part to play in that dressing room this year."