Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is confident Gabby Agbonlahor can handle his growing profile.

Agbonlahor's pace has terrorised Premier League defences this season but Villa Barry is surprised at just how good the 22-year-old has become so quickly.

Barry said: "Gabby's development has been surprising. His overall game has come together quicker than I would have thought.

"His pace and directness is frightening for defenders but he is picking up bits and pieces along the way and scoring lots of goals.

"He is improving all the time."

Agbonlahor has 10 league and cup goals to his name so far this season and Barry believes he will only continue to grow in confidence now that he has got the first England cap of his career under his belt.

"Making his England debut will do him no harm at all," added Barry.

"Coming back from that Germany game he will have taken a lot on board and been full of confidence.

"But he is a laid back person and he won't be thinking about what he has already done because he is just enjoying his football."