By Paul Brown

Gabby Agbonlahor is eager to start and score against Rapid Vienna this week - after declaring himself fit for action.

Agbonlahor has missed a bulk of pre-season with back and hamstring problems but the star striker is now back to full fitness and eager for the nod from caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald on Thursday.

After missing out on the West Ham and Newcastle top-flight clashes, as well as the Europa League play-off first leg against Rapid Vienna, the fab forward played 45 minutes of a friendly game with Burton Albion in the week, scoring a penalty in the process.

He's now raring to return to competitive action against Rapid - and desperate to open his competitive scoring account for the season too.

He said: "I am not used to this slow start to the season.

"Normally I will get a good pre-season under my belt but it's been frustrating this time with injuries so hopefully I will try and get underway this week.

"I was struggling with a back injury early on in pre-season and it has kept me out until now. It has taken me a few weeks to get fit but I am ready to go now.

"Touch wood, I've not had too many injuries but I think it might have been because of last season at the European Championships. I didn't get much of a pre-season then. Maybe that took its toll with the way I've got injured.

"It's been frustrating but now I'm back and hopefully I'm now ready to go.

"It started with the hamstring and then went into the back. I think that's common with a lot of fast players. Hopefully it's all sorted now. I've certainly got no issues from the practice game.

"I've been training but I've not been able to play in the games. It's completely gone now though.

"There are a few players coming back so it's good for the squad and it gives Kev a tough time as he looks to pick a team for Thursday and Sunday."

Agbonlahor is relishing the Europa League clash - and hopes Villa can progress to the group stages.

He's adamant the players will be back to their best after the frustrating weekend result at St James Park.

He continued: "We will treat this competition as it should be treated and try and get as far as we can in this one and try and win it.

"Any goal for a striker is good - but to get a goal in my first game would be nice. It would be great - as long as we got the right result and go through.

"You want to show everybody that you are fit and not off the pace. So I will be looking to make an impression and try and do enough to get in the side for Sunday."

Agbonlahor also took time out to praise current caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, insisting the players have real respect for him.

He also paid tribute to departed manager Martin O'Neill, who really set Agbonlahor on the road to footballing fame.

He added: "The boys just want to get it right and hopefully get a good result against Rapid and Everton.

"I think everyone is behind Kev - even the boys that have not been playing the last few seasons in the reserves have a lot of respect for him.

"If Kev was to get it he'd do a great job - that's my view.

"On Thursday you'll see a good reaction from the boys.

"But I haven't got a bad thing to say about Martin. When he came in he gave me my chance and looking back I've barely missed a game. It's sad he's left but maybe we needed a fresh start.

"Since Kev's come in the lads have done well so we've got to look forward now and try to put it behind us."

Cheer on the lads in the second leg on Thursday - click here for tickets.