Zat Knight is full of praise for Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor.

The defender told Villa's website: "As a centre-half, you look at him and realise he can make something from nothing and that's a really impressive trait.

"Rio Ferdinand and John Terry know that if they can keep the strikers quiet at their end, then the likes of Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba will do the damage at the other end. That's what we're starting to feel with Gabby.

"He's a huge threat. Defenders are always on the back foot against him. He's an outlet because when we're under pressure we can just put the ball into the channels and we know Gabby will be there chasing it down."

Players often insist that they don't appreciate the value of a fellow professional until they line-up alongside them on the same side. But Zat is quick to point out his admiration for the pacy striker started last season.

"My positive impression of Gabby didn't start the day I signed for Villa. I was impressed with his performances last season when I was at Fulham. I'm just glad that I'm on the same side as him now.

"We drew 1-1 with Villa at Villa Park last season and he was a handful that day. As a defender, you certainly remember the players who have performed well against you."