Gabriel Agbonlahor has thanked Stuart Pearce for his international recall and wants to make up for missing this summer's European Championships by firing England Under-21s to the next finals.

Agbonlahor, aged 20, could not be contacted when the U-21 manager wanted to confirm his call-up for the tournament in Holland last June and was left behind, but he is determined to reach Sweden in 2009.

"What happened in the summer before the Championships is in the past and has been put behind us," said the Aston Villa forward. "I want to be there in Sweden.

"Stuart Pearce has been good about welcoming me back into the squad.

"That has been the best part about it. He has seen how much I am enjoying my football at Villa and gave me that chance. It means a lot."

Scotland and Nigeria were international options for Agbonlahor but he wants to concentrate on England.

"There was a slight misunderstanding in the summer but I am just looking at the future, " Agbonlahor added. "I have other choices but England are the team I want to play for and I won't be playing for anyone else."

While David Bentley was jeered on his senior debut for missing the finals, Agbonlahor has made a seamless return to the international fold by contributing in his first games back.

Pearce's young players made the perfect start to their European qualifying campaign, with

Agbonlahor scoring in a 3-0 win over Montenegro. Bulgaria are their next opponents in Sofia tomorrow evening.

"I really enjoyed the game on Friday night. The team played well as a whole and it was great to get the goal," Agbonlahor said. "But it wasn't just me. Right throughout the team, we really showed our strengths. The back four were solid and we looked lively and dangerous in midfield and attack.

"It was really encouraging. Everyone was working their socks off for each other. That is exactly what the gaffer wants. I guess it was the perfect way to start the campaign."

It capped a special week for Agbonlahor after scoring the clincher against Chelsea at Villa Park the previous Sunday.

"To get off the mark early on is always an aim but to do it against Chelsea was a dream come true," he said. "To then get off the mark for England makes it extra special. Coming up against the likes of John Terry in the Premiership can only help me."

While Agbonlahor wants to play in Sweden in 2009, his club boss Martin O'Neill has tipped him for full international honours before then.

The youngster admits playing for the seniors is his ambition and he has been encouraged by Villa team-mate Ashley Young making the step up from the under-21s to the full squad.

"Having seen Ashley Young make the step up from under-21s to the full squad gives everyone hope," he said.

"He has deserved it and I am sure there are more players in this team who have what it takes to play for the national team. He has proved that if you can do it at one level, you can do it at another. My main aim is to play for the seniors. It is everyone's dream."