By Paul Brown

Gabby Agbonlahor has vowed to make Rapid Vienna pay the penalty this evening if Villa win a spot-kick.

Agbonlahor says he is happy to take over penalty duties from now on, following John Carew's missed effort at the weekend.

He says it's been hard to get a chance to impress from 12 yards in the past few seasons, given the quality shown by the likes of Gareth Barry and James Milner.

But he's eager to prove his worth from close-range - and boost his goals tally in the process.

He said: "Is it something I'd be prepared to do? Yes.

"I think I'd have liked to have had a go in the past but it was hard with people like James and Gareth in the team.

"If I get a chance to take one then I'll step up and take one. I think John's off them now after Sunday!

"On another day John's effort could have flown into the top netting. It was one of those.

"Normally in training he just smashes them in. Maybe Ashley, myself or Stewart will look to get the next one.

"It can be a good way of adding to your goal tally. If you look at Darren Bent last season at Sunderland he got a lot from the spot.

"I think I missed one against them in the Carling Cup last season but I'm happy to take one again now."

Agbonlahor is eager to continue his season-on-season improvement in front of goal - and help fire Villa to a good Barclays Premier League placing in the process.

He insists both will be tough this term.

He added: "I want to keep improving.

"Last season was tough and this season will be even tougher if you look at Manchester City buying players and Spurs upping their level.

"It's going to be harder but we're ready for it and hopefully I can get a few more goals as well.

"It's getting tougher every year, if you ask anyone in the Premier League that question they'd all say t he same thing.

"But hopefully I can keep doing the things I was doing last season and get double figures again."

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