Gabriel Agbonlahor hopes Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert plays him in his preferred central striking role after the frustration of being used in several different positions last season.

Agbonlahor has recovered from the knee injury which forced him to miss the start of the campaign and appeared as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle before the international break.

He was used as a wide midfielder and also off the main striker by Alex McLeish during the Scot’s ill-fated season in charge at Villa.

Agbonlahor said: “Last season I was being used more left midfield or off the striker and it was a different sort of formation.

“When we beat Chelsea away, I was playing in a front role – but then for the next game, at home to Swansea, I was played right midfield.

“If you don’t get a run of games (in the same position) it can sort of mess your head up.

“Hopefully I can get a certain amount of games in my preferred position.”

Agbonlahor concedes he will face a battle for his place, with Darren Bent, Andreas Weimann and newcomers Christian Benteke and Jordan Bowery pushing for places up front.

He said: “No-one is guaranteed a starting place and they’re going to be coming after my place.

“That was the same when I was younger. I was going for other players’ places.”