Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry believes striker Gabriel Agbonlahor no longer relies on just his explosive pace to put the frighteners on Premier League defences.

Barry feels Agbonlahor, who has shaken off a hamstring injury in time to face Reading on Sunday, is amongst the top three players in the division when it comes to sheer speed.

But the England midfielder has also noticed how Agbonlahor's all-round game has also developed, which means he no longer has to rely on just raw pace to cause problems.

Barry explained: "Gabby has been in great form for us all season.

"He's carried on from where he left off last season but he's also added to his game and is more consistent.

"The difference between Gabby and a lot of players is that he has got that extra bit of pace. He is as fast as there is.

"There are not too many people who can stay with him and he is certainly up there in the top two or three for pace.

"There is no doubt that his pace really frightens defenders but he has more than the one string to his bow now.

"Gabby has also worked hard on all parts of his game like his strength. He can hold the ball up as well now and bring others into play. His all-round game is coming on really fine.

"It's great to have him fit again and he will be looking to play a big part in the final part of the season."

Agbonlahor was forced to miss England's friendly international with Switzerland at Wembley because of the hamstring setback suffered at Fulham and he also missed out on Villa's 4-1 win over Newcastle.

But he has been back in training this week and is set to return against the Royals.

More news from SportingLife.com