Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood: 'Gabby Agbonlahor still has crucial role to play'

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has downplayed reports linking Gabriel Agbonlahor with a move away from the club, insisting that the striker has a "crucial" role to play at Villa Park.

The former Tottenham Hotspur coach brought in a number of new recruits over the summer, but was quick to assure the team captain that he features in his long-term plans.

"He has a huge part to play because we bought a lot of new boys into the club," The Mirror quotes Sherwood as saying.

"And even if he doesn't give us that on the pitch, the likes of him, Ciaran Clark and Ashley Westwood have a crucial role to play in that dressing room this year.

"He is club captain, I don't underestimate the role he plays at this club and it is crucial for a manager to have lieutenants. He's one of them."

Agbonlahor missed Villa's 2-2 draw with Sunderland this weekend due to a stomach bug.