Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has declared himself ready for their Europa League qualifier return-leg against Rapid Vienna.
Agbonlahor has missed a bulk of pre-season with back and hamstring problems but the star striker is now back to full fitness and eager for the nod from caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald on Thursday.
He told Villa's website: "I am not used to this slow start to the season.
"Normally I will get a good pre-season under my belt but it's been frustrating this time with injuries so hopefully I will try and get underway this week. I was struggling with a back injury early on in pre-season and it has kept me out until now. It has taken me a few weeks to get fit but I am ready to go now.
"Touch wood, I've not had too many injuries but I think it might have been because of last season at the European Championships. I didn't get much of a pre-season then. Maybe that took its toll with the way I've got injured.
"It's been frustrating but now I'm back and hopefully I'm now ready to go. It started with the hamstring and then went into the back. I think that's common with a lot of fast players. Hopefully it's all sorted now. I've certainly got no issues from the practice game.
"I've been training but I've not been able to play in the games. It's completely gone now though.
"There are a few players coming back so it's good for the squad and it gives Kev a tough time as he looks to pick a team for Thursday and Sunday."
