Manager Tim Sherwood has claimed that out-of-form forward Gabriel Agbonlahor will never leave Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Villans at the age of eight, has courted criticism from fans for his early-season performances, and speculation mounted toward the end of the summer transfer window that an exit was on the cards.
Agbonlahor ended up staying, and Sherwood admits that he cannot envisage Villa without the former England international at this stage.
"He's spent more time out training than anyone else on this international break because he wants to improve himself still," Sherwood is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
"He's been out there finishing, doing one-v-one finishing and trying to improve himself doing extra fitness work. Gabby's an important part of this football club and to be honest I can't ever see him leaving."
Sherwood's side, who have won just one of their first four Premier League outings, travel away to Leicester City on Sunday.
Shane Callaghan
