Lambert's plea to Gabby

Paul Lambert has challenged Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to reproduce his stunning performance at Manchester City on Tuesday.

Agbonlahor ended a eight-month goal drought with his brace at the Etihad Stadium to put him in contention to start Sunday's home Barclays Premier League derby with West Brom. The one-time England striker has often flattered to deceive and injuries and playing at times in a wide role have meant a combined goal return of only 11 for the past two seasons. But Lambert is hoping Agbonlahor will start firing on all cylinders as he challenges the likes of Christian Benteke, Darren Bent and Andreas Weimann for a place against the Baggies. When asked if Agbonlahor's performance had given him food for thought, Lambert said: "Every time I pick a side it is hard but Gabby's performance the other night was exceptional. "His two goals were fantastic and, if you get Gabby firing on all cylinders, then he is a handful. Consistency comes from within himself. He is at an age now where he has got to get consistency in his game as well."