Gabriel Agbonlahor ready for "massive" derby against West Bromwich Albion

Gabriel Agbonlahor has said that Aston Villa's derby clash with West Bromwich Albion is a "massive game" for the club.

The two West Midlands rivals meet for the first time this season on Monday evening at The Hawthorns, with Agbonlahor insisting that the players who joined Villa in the summer will be able to handle the pressure of the game.

"It is always a big game against a local side and West Brom are the only one that is left in the league," he told the club's official website.

"Every game is a big game but derby matches are massive for the players and the fans. The players know that.

"Lots of them have played in different derbies across the world in different leagues so they will be used to it and they will know how to handle the occasion."

Aston Villa are 11th in the Premier League table, level on 14 points with West Brom.