Agbonlahor desperate to win race to face Manchester City

Gabby Agbonlahor admits his stunning hat-trick against Manchester City three-and-a-half years ago is in his top three claret and blue moments - and he'd love the chance to face them again on Sunday.



Agbonlahor fondly remembers the treble he bagged for Villa on the opening day in August 2008.



The star striker scored what is considered the "perfect" hat-trick - bagging efforts with his head, right foot and left foot at Villa Park.



The triple treat was netted in the space of seven minutes, making it the second-fastest hat-trick in the history of the Premier League.



He's desperate to line up against the men from the Etihad Stadium again this weekend and admits he's been working hard to try and be fit for this latest encounter.



Agbonlahor missed out against QPR and Newcastle with hamstring/back spasms but he says the pain is relenting.



Agbonlahor had been receiving round-the-clock massage and physio to give him the best chance possible to be fit.



And now he's got his eyes firmly fixed on the date with Roberto Mancini's title-chasers.



He said: "It's been really frustrating being out injured. No player likes it and that's especially true for me because I love to play football, so I'm working hard to try to get back.



"You don't want to miss games. We're all very eager to get some wins and I love being in amongst it and helping the team.



"It's been annoying with the back and hamstring problem I've had. But it's improving.



"I've been staying behind after most players have gone for the day to do additional work to get fit as soon as I can.



"I'm getting plenty of physio and massage and I'm really eager to be back as soon as I can.



"Manchester City is going to be a big match and, if possible, I want to be involved. I'm working really hard to be fit.



"There are few bigger challenges than facing Manchester City but we're up for the challenge.



"I have really fond memories of facing them. It was an incredible feeling to score that hat-trick on the opening day of the season - and to score all the goals so close together was unbelievable.



"I would still say that 5-1 win over Birmingham City is the highlight of my time with Villa but the hat-trick makes up one of my top three, along with my debut against Everton at Goodison Park."