Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen has urged Liverpool striker Peter Crouch to join his England teammates at Villa Park.

He said: "This is a club who are going places. We have a lot of good young players here so an England striker like Peter Crouch should be interested in coming to Aston Villa. It's why I signed a new contract this year, because I believe in the future. I can't see myself playing for another English team."

Laursen also sees teammate Gabby Agbonlahor as a potential match for ex-Arsenal captain Thierry Henry.

Laursen, 31, said: "Gaby has the potential to do well for England; he has the talent, the pace and he is a good finisher. The question is how he copes with the pressure as he becomes better known."