Luke Young is backing Aston Villa mate Gabriel Agbonlahor to end his goal drought sooner rather than later.

Agbonlahor, who was withdrawn from the current England Under-21 squad through injury, has hit the target only once since mid-December.

A section of Villa fans even jeered Agbonlahor during their last home clash with Tottenham, incurring the wrath of manager Martin O'Neill.

But Young has faith in Agbonlahor to rediscover his touch in front of goal.

He said: "Early on in the season everything that Gabby touched in front of goal was going in but also you get runs where you can't find the back of the net.

"No matter however hard you try and however hard you work, it sometimes just won't happen for you.

"But it will turn for Gabby. You've just got to keep getting yourself in the right positions and I am sure the goals will come again soon.

"He is a top striker who has forced his way into the England squad this season."

Young is aware Villa have to recapture their sparkle of early in the season if they are to revive their hopes of securing a Champions League spot.

They have gone eight games without a win in all competitions and have slipped three points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League.

Young said: "We are not playing as well as we have done and the results are showing that. We've got to regroup a bit.

"There are eight massive games left now and I am sure the manager will be having a look at some things that haven't gone quite so well."