Aston Villa academy chief Bryan Jones says Gabby Agbonlahor is the ideal example for his young players to follow.
"They persevered with Gabby because he was nowhere near a finished product at 14 and 15. The work that both he and the coaches put in was immense and that's a real credit to the player and the set-up."
Agbonlahor made his senior Villa bow under David O'Leary but his career really took off once Martin O'Neill took the helm at Villa Park. He has not looked back since.
Jones added: "Gabby's desire to succeed is another lesson for younger players coming through. His commitment when he hasn't got the ball has improved 100 per cent and I think that shows how the desire is just as important as the ability.
"A young player can have all the ability in the world and of course that is important. But without the desire and the hunger - no chance."