Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has praised the young players at Villa Park after bouncing back from criticism earlier in the season.

Villa suffered several heavy defeats midway through this campaign, but after the club beat Norwich City on Saturday to secure their fifth victory in eight games, Agbonlahor believes that the signs are good for an improved season next year.

The 26-year-old told reporters: "The young lads have come through. They have had some bad things said about them when things were not going too well, but they had stood up to the plate and performed week in, week out, and tried their hardest to improve and they are improving game by game.

"Hopefully, if we can get this season out of the way you will see more improvement next season. They have had a lot of pressure on them and great credit to them - they've stuck at it, carried on playing and fighting in big games."

Villa are currently in 13th position in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone.