The likes of Ashley Westwood, Fabian Delph and Matthew Lowton - all of whom are 23 years old - have featured prominently for Villa this season as they have battled against relegation.

And Agbonlahor, who scored twice to help his side move onto 40 points with a win over Norwich on Saturday, believes these inexperienced players have passed a test of character.

"The young lads have come through. They have had some bad things said about them when things were not going too well, but they had stood up to the plate and performed week in, week out, and tried their hardest to improve and they are improving game by game," he said.

"Hopefully if we can get this season out of the way you will see more improvement next season. They have had a lot of pressure on them and great credit to them - they've stuck at it, carried on playing and fighting in big games.

"They have not crumbled and game by game they are improving. They have come back from games like at Chelsea, and long may it continue."

Despite Villa moving five points clear of the drop zone with their victory at Carrow Road, manager Paul Lambert remained reluctant to declare his side secure.

"There are a lot of teams who are not safe. We are playing ever so well at the minute and that's all you can ask for, but you are never safe until you have actually done it," the Scot said.

"You have just got to be resolute in what you are doing and have the belief in them that they can do it.

"There is a lot of pressure at the football club because of the size of it, it is a massive club with a massive fan base and the history tells you that there is a lot of expectation, but that is something you revel in.

"It is not something I am going to get over-worked about. I have got a great rapport with the people at the football club and with the supporters, which is vital. They have stuck by us in really hard times and hopefully they are getting a little bit of joy from what's happening now."