Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor credited his form against Reading on Sunday to his England heartache suffered earlier this month.

The 21-year-old had been named in Fabio Capello's first squad earlier in the month but had to miss the friendly with Switzerland after damaging a hamstring in an unexpected reverse at Fulham.

He also missed his side's demolition of Newcastle but returned in style at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday as Villa moved closer to European qualification with a 2-1 win.

He said: "It was a massive disappointment having to miss out on England. I couldn't believe it had to happen that week of all weeks.

"Going up to the Fulham game I thought to myself 'don't get injured' because going to meet up with the England squad was going to be the best moment of my life. Then it happened. At least it wasn't a long term injury, it was only a couple of weeks, so hopefully I can get that chance again.

"I was very down about being just moments away from it but my dad just said 'if he's put you in that squad then you will get the chance again' and I just have to concentrate on playing well now I'm fit to make him do that."