Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hopes this summer's U21 European Championship cock-up won't affect Gabby Agbonlahor's England career.

"I've spoken to Stuart Pearce but it wasn't to do with anything that's happened in the past. It was to do with how he perceives the future," said O'Neill.

"It wasn't to do with resolving any kind of situation. I haven't even asked Gabby who he wants to play for. I don't think it was ever in his thoughts to play for anyone else (other than England)."

"But he's qualified to play for Nigeria and Scotland through his family. It's a choice he has to make himself and I'm sure he'll make that decision in consultation with his father. If he has to make a choice, it's up to him.

Agbonlahor has vowed to ensure he is not a one-season wonder after impressing initially in a wide role and then as a central striker for Villa.

O'Neill said: "Gabby did excellently for us last season and played far more games than he would have envisaged when he reported back last summer.

"He played every minute of every game until I took him off at Reading in February and he did really well for us. He knows he has got to go again now but he is willing to learn and wants to improve."