Birmingham vs Aston Villa: Gabby Agbonlahor in shock return to Villa bench for Second City derby against Blues
Claret and Blues striker was told he had played his last game for club but is back in fold under new boss Steve Bruce
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GABBY AGBONLAHOR's six-month Aston Villa exile is over after returning to the bench for the Second City derby - having twice struck St Andrew's winners.
The Claret and Blues striker was frozen out under previous boss Roberto Di Matteo and told his days at the club were over.
But current gaffer Steve Bruce had wiped the slate clean and named Agbonlahor as a sub for the clash against bitter rivals Blues.
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The speed of his return to the matchday 18 comes as a major surprise given that Bruce had placed Agbonlahor on a personal fitness programme.
The 30-year-old was believed to be weeks away from being ready for action.
He had been considered out of shape by misfit manger Remi Garde last season and almost left Villa Park in a deadline day move to fellow Championship outfit Reading.
Agbonlahor was pictured surrounded by laughing gas canisters last season and was suspended by Villa as the club drifted towards the Prem drop.
Chairman Tony Xia had tweeted that Agbonlahor had already used up his last chance - only to backtrack when Bruce said that the speedster was still in his thoughts.
A rejuvenated Villa - who have picked up seven points from nine since Bruce got the job - could now see Agbonlahor make a sensational return to action from the bench today.
He scored the winning goals in 2007 and 2009.
The Birmingham-born striker has been the subject of vile Blues taunts in the past.