Gabriel Agbonlahor has given Aston Villa a boost by declaring he wants to remain with the club for the rest of his career.

Villa Academy product Agbonlahor is the club's longest-serving first- team player even though he is just 23.

And the England striker and local-born player has spelt out his willingness to stay at Villa on a long-term basis.

Agbonlahor said: "I saw in the programme stats the other day that I'm the longest-serving player.

"I think I am one of the senior statesmen! I might bring that up with some of the lads.

"But I'm a local lad and you look at people like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

"They don't want to leave their clubs - and it's the same with me. Being from the area, I've got no reason to ever leave.

"I'm just enjoying my football here and hopefully it continues."

Agbonlahor was Villa's second-highest scorer with 16 goals last season.

He missed the first three games of the current campaign with injury before returning and scoring in the Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna on Thursday.

Agbonlahor was substituted with a tight calf but is expected to be fit to face Everton at Villa Park on Sunday.