Gabriel Agbonlahor

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill insists he is not going to criticise Gabriel Agbonlahor, despite the striker's ongoing goal drought.

Agbonlahor has not netted for Villa since the 2-1 victory over Wigan on 29th December - a run of 10 games without a goal.

And O'Neill has previously admitted that the lack of goals in 2008 could be affecting Agbonlahor's confidence

O'Neill, though, is adamant he will not be dropping the forward - who impressed in the 1-1 draw away to Arsenal on 1st March - as Villa chase a place in Europe.

"Gabby Agbonlahor is the last player in the world I will be sitting down and criticising," O'Neill told Villa's official website.

"A fortnight ago at Arsenal he was incredible and he ran Arsenal ragged.

"The only thing about it, and he shouldn't get down, is that I know centre-forwards have it in the back of their minds that they want to score a goal or two.

"He hasn't scored for a number of games. He hasn't scored this year and he will be worrying about that, but it doesn't bother me a jot.

"I know Gabby does so much more and so many other things for us as well as attempting to score goals.

"I am not concerned about Gabby. He will get a goal again and he is the least of my concerns at this football club."