By Dan Harrison

Darren Bent has backed Gabby Agbonlahor to return to his "explosive" best next term.

Bent admits he cannot wait to reignite his strike partnership with Agbonlahor having been out of action since February.

The pair both endured difficult seasons in 2011-12 but showed glimpses of their potential as a deadly duo in the early part of the campaign.

And Bent even believes they can flourish together on the international stage as well as for Villa.

"I'd like to think me and Gabby could be picked for the same England squad again," said Bent.

"If he can keep himself fit and look after his hamstrings there's every chance.

"But when you've got that much pace and explosiveness you're always going to have problems with your hamstrings.

"If he can get over that then there's no reason why he can't force himself into the squad. At the start of last season his performances were fantastic.

"I know he maybe didn't get the goals that he would have liked in the second half of the season, but it's hard when you have injuries here and there.

"We all know what he is capable of and with a good run I'm sure he can show that for Villa and England."

Bent has tipped Agbonlahor to make a return to the England fold if he can reproduce his early season form from last term.

"Hopefully if he can bring back that form he was showing at the start of last season, he can get back in," he added.

"It would be great for us to play together for England as well as Villa because when he gets going his pace can cause real problems for defenders."

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