Agbonlahor has not featured for England since their defeat to Spain back in February but the 22-year-old striker looked back to his best as he settled the derby against Birmingham with an 84th minute winner.

The pacey striker headed the ball home from eight yards after substitute John Carew had knocked Ashley Young's free-kick into his path.

"We put John on and he made a big contribution to the winning goal," said O'Neill.

"I am delighted for Gabby. Goals help his confidence enormously.

"It is a big lift for him. He was excellent against Liverpool and Fulham, and again today.

"Until the World Cup gathers momentum I have not got a major worry. If he continues to play and perform right through the season there is no reason for him to be disregarded.

"I am delighted to have won, relieved as well, it is a derby game and you would not want to get beat.

"We wanted to try and win the game. It looked as though it was heading for stalemate because there were not many chances."

O'Neill was also delighted with the performance of his three debut defenders - Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock.

All three kept City's attack at bay and Dunne was outstanding at the heart of the new-look rearguard.

"I was very pleased with all three," added O'Neill.

"Their performances were excellent and they had only Friday and Saturday to acquaint themselves with each other."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish labelled Villa's late win as a "harsh" result but admitted his side need to find a way of dealing with set-pieces.

"It is harsh result," said McLeish.

"There is no doubt about that. We played really well and got about Villa.

"I don't think we allowed them to play at all today. We nullified the threat of Agbonlahor and Young.

"The difference between us and Villa, in financial clout and quality, is a big gulf but it didn't look like it today.

"Their goal was a free header and we have just got to deal with those balls. Roger Johnson was fantastic today but Carew slipped his grasp. But then we have to defend the second ball and that's often the one that kills you.

"Players switch off and turn and watch the ball. Agbonlahor turned and slipped his man. We have still got to defend it whether it was a free-kick or not.

"We have got to be really vigilant in these situations. The Premier League is about concentration, pace and quality and concentration undid us a little bit.

"We need to pick up points. We are creating chances but we are not putting them in the back of the net. That is costly. But overall I am pleased with the quality we have shown."