By Gabriel Agbonlahor

5th May, 2022 | 8:30pm

Tim Iroegbunam set to be axed from Aston Villa starting XI after reveal - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Tim Iroegbunam to be axed from the Aston Villa starting XI against Burnley on Saturday (7 May).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer insisted the 18-year-old deserves credit for his first team performances thus far but Steven Gerrard must manage him correctly.

Iroegbunam made his full debut as Aston Villa beat Norwich City 2-0 last weekend before being replaced after 73 minutes.

He has now made three Premier League appearances for Gerrard’s first team since his move from West Brom last summer (2021).

As quoted by the Sun earlier this week (2 May), Gerrard insisted the midfielder has a really exciting future but must find his voice and “come out of his shell” now he is in the first team squad.

“I think he did very well against Norwich,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“He looked very assured, very good on the ball and won the ball back.

“But maybe he doesn’t start the next game. Gerrard brings him in and out and gets him used to playing Premier League football.

“He should be proud of his first start and there are plenty more to come.”

Iroegbunam’s development this season was recognised with a new deal earlier this year and he is now under contract until the summer of 2027.

The teenager was also called up to the England Under-19 squad in March and now has two caps to his name.

In other news, Aston Villa have submitted a ‘big-money’ player offer and he is made up his mind on a move.