Agbonlahor makes bold Ings prediction after what he’s seen at Aston Villa
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Danny Ings to score 15 Premier League goals for Aston Villa this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer admitted Dean Smith’s “biggest worry” will be keeping Ings fit for the full campaign.
The £30million summer signing has already scored twice in just two league games this season.
Last season, the England international scored 12 times in 29 league games for Southampton.
He missed nine games through various injuries and Agbonlahor has claimed Smith will attempt to manage his workload.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Ings can definitely get into double figures.
“I’d say 15 Premier League goals is something Danny Ings will look to try and get. Penalties would have helped that but it looks like Anwar El Ghazi will be on penalties.
“He’s just a goalscorer, he’s a poacher, he can score from outside the box. He’s just a natural finisher.
“For Aston Villa, the biggest worry will be keeping him fit. That’s why I think Dean Smith might start to bring him off after 60, 65 minutes of games just to get continuous games out of him. I don’t think he will be 90 minutes very much just so Dean Smith can get as much out of him.
“That goal against Newcastle was outstanding. I can’t describe how hard that technique is. To time the jump, to time your leg movement and to keep it down. Only top class players will score that.
“It’s a contender for goal of the season already.”
In other news, a club has opened preliminary talks to sign an Aston Villa player in dazzling form.