Bent arrival delights Agbonlahor

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor is thrilled at the arrival of Darren Bent, and says the club-record signing has fitted straight in.

Agbonlahor, who is expected to form a new strike partnership with Bent, is a big admirer of his fellow England international and feels his quality will boost their chances of securing survival.

"It is only good news for Villa," Bent told the Daily Mirror "We need to get ourselves out of this mess we are in.

"To bring in a quality player like Darren is going to help the squad.

"I have come across him and played with him for England. I know what he is about as a player.

"I am looking forward to what is coming. We need to win games and get points. He is a quality player and can help us with the players we have got to get up the table.

"It was his first day on Wednesday and he has fitted in straight away. There is one big group here, everyone gets on with each other and morale is good."

Agbonlahor also praised Villa chairman Randy Lerner for dipping into his pocket to buy Bent for such a big fee.

"It shows the great backing the chairman has for the club - he still believes in the club," Agbonlahor added.

"You wouldn't really expect Villa to spend that type of money."