Gerrard has transformed Mings as key Aston Villa decision looms - Agbonlahor

Tyrone Mings looks a different player under Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa's record Premier League goalscorer suggested Mings may have got "comfortable" under Dean Smith.

As quoted by Birmingham Live ahead of the 2-0 win over Brighton, Gerrard revealed he was yet to decide who is long-term captain would be.

Mings was given the armband over the summer after Jack Grealish's move to Man City and retained it in Gerrard's first game in charge.

Agbonlahor suggested the uncertainty over his position motivated the defender at the weekend.

"Sometimes players can get comfortable under certain manager," he told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

"They're not doing the basics, they're not putting in the work. I've been there, you get comfortable under managers.

"When a new manager comes in, you get that initial change, that initial buzz.

"With Tyrone Mings, Steven Gerrard said 'He's got the armband now but I'll monitor it'. Little things like that will pump Migs up, to prove he's the captain and keep his place in the side.

"Steven Gerrard looks like the sort of manager who will motivate players and get the best out of them. Just his aura will rub off on the players automatically.

"For the goal, Mings ran after the ball, kept in play and got in the box. That was the performance of a guy who is a leader, a captain and deserves to be captain. Long may it continue."

Mings has now scored seven times in 102 games across all competitions for Villa.

The England international was axed by Smith against West Ham earlier this month.

In other news, Gerrard has told Aston Villa to let a £17m star go in January.