Scots consider Agbonlahor call-up - TalkSoccer

**LAF** · 10-06-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Alex McLeish is hoping to convince Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to turn his back on England and play for Scotland.
The 20-year-old has played for England Under-21s and is also eligible to play for his father's homeland, Nigeria.

Scotland coach Roy Aitken said: "It's part of my job working for Scotland but based in England to keep up to date with things.

"I speak to club managers all the time concerning players eligible to play."

English-born Agbonlahor, who has become a first-team regular at Villa Park this season, has a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother.

That gives him a choice of three countries for which to play.

He has already turned out for England's Under-21 side three times.

But he angered boss Stuart Pearce after failing to respond to phone calls while on holiday after being called up for the Uefa Under-21 Championships.

The dispute could now pave the way for a Scotland career.

Aitken has been keeping tabs on players eligible for Scotland, with Derby Count's Steve Howard having already revealed McLeish's interest.

"Gabriel certainly comes into that category, as does James Morrison at Middlesbrough, despite being born in Darlington," added Aitken.

BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Scots consider Agbonlahor call-up

**DavidMc** · 10-06-2007, 06:34 PM

Seen him play a few times this season and he looks like a future star. He might think about playing for Scotland, especially since McLeish has apparently said he would go straight to the first team, but I think he would prefer England.

I would like him to play for us, but will be surprised if it happens. And anyway, we have youngsters coming through now who are no worse than him.

alansmithy14 · 20-06-2007, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMc

Seen him play a few times this season and he looks like a future star. He might think about playing for Scotland, especially since McLeish has apparently said he would go straight to the first team, but I think he would prefer England.

I would like him to play for us, but will be surprised if it happens. And anyway, we have youngsters coming through now who are no worse than him.

i doubt he wud play for Scotland mainly because he thinks England wud be a bigger challenge but u dont want to push him to play for a full international team so soon

**DavidMc** · 21-06-2007, 06:53 PM

He looks a good player, but as i said, i dont think it will happen and i dont really think he is any better than some of the young Scots coming through the ranks.

alansmithy14 · 21-06-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMc

He looks a good player, but as i said, i dont think it will happen and i dont really think he is any better than some of the young Scots coming through the ranks.

hes still good though but there are other better Scottish players

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 23-06-2007, 04:35 PM

If he choose to play for Scotland he will go right into the team.It will be tough for him to play himself into the England team.

**LAF** · 24-06-2007, 09:28 AM

He wouldn't get staright into our team. He'll get a call-up and a cap (off the bench).

I want him because he has lots of pace. It's a handy thing to have when coming off the bench.

**DavidMc** · 24-06-2007, 09:35 AM

he wouldnt go straight into the Scottish Team. Our midfield is strong, I would like to see him join our National Team, but he would have to earn his place like everyone else.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-06-2007, 09:41 AM

Better to use him up front instead of Kenny Miller.

**LAF** · 24-06-2007, 09:43 AM

Miller is quality for Scotland. Just ask Nesta and Cannavaro.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-06-2007, 09:44 AM

I don't know any of them that well.

alansmithy14 · 24-06-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty T.A.L.

Better to use him up front instead of Kenny Miller.

Kenny Miller is actually a good player he was a bit shaky this season with Celtic but he will be fine and if u dont want Miller up front play Gary O'Conner in his place

**DavidMc** · 24-06-2007, 02:09 PM

Miller does well for Scotland, I dont think he is a out and out striker. I dont think he will be at Celtic next season though and if he his, first team appearances will be rare.

alansmithy14 · 24-06-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMc

Miller does well for Scotland, I dont think he is a out and out striker. I dont think he will be at Celtic next season though and if he his, first team appearances will be rare.

if he leaves he will probably go to a mid table club or else Wolves

**DavidMc** · 24-06-2007, 02:19 PM

Cant see him going back to Wolves. I wouldnt be surprised if he went to Birmingham. He has the talent to play in the Premiership. Has shown that when playing against top class international teams like Italy and France.