Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has warned Aston Villa fans that the negative response towards manager Alex McLeish is affecting the players.

McLeish has struggled to win over certain sections of supporters since making the controversial move from local rivals Birmingham last summer.

But there has been outright hostility vented on recent occasions towards the Scot, most notably in the goalless draw at Wigan 12 days ago.

Agbonlahor said: "The fans are entitled to their opinions but the chairman (Randy Lerner) has made a choice in bringing the manager here and everyone has got to get behind him.

"I think it affects the players otherwise. You only have to look at the situation at Blackburn where Steve Kean has been getting a lot of abuse.

"It does have an impact on the players and does affect them when fans are not backing the manager and not turning up in games.

"He has come in at the start of the season and fans need to give him time to work his ideas through the club."

Agbonlahor added: "In previous years the fans have got behind the team no matter what and that helps the players.

"If they really get behind the team and the players, it gives everyone a lift."