Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young should not give up hope of being on the England plane to South Africa for the World Cup.

That's the view of Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who has been thrilled with the contribution of the pair at club level.

The manager was quick to praise the improvements made in top scorer Agbonlahor's game, since his big break on to the scene as a raw 19-year-old.

And he was also delighted to see Young in scintillating form against Reading in the FA Cup quarter-final clash last weekend.

He said: "I am hoping both Gabby and Ashley wouldn't give up.

"Ashley grabbed the game for us at Reading just at the right time and got us back into it in every aspect. It wasn't just scoring the goal after half-time but his ability on a pretty tricky pitch to try and get hold of it and make things happen by running with it and trying to get a bit of space.

"I am hoping that sort of thing would keep himself and Gabby going.

"I would hope they wouldn't just give up on it and feel that they aren't going to get that chance.

"While there's still time, if they still harbour that ambition which I am sure they will deep down, I would say - don't give it up.

"Gabby is trying to improve his technique. I think it has improved over the last couple of years, certainly if you were to speak to some of the youth team coaches. They would say Gabby has definitely improved.

"He's got stronger. And I think his hold-up play has improved immensely. His overall contribution to the team is pretty strong.

"He's been constant because - number one - he's been, for the most part, always fit. Touch wood.

"But Gabby's contribution, not just in the goals he's scored, but his overall contribution means that he merits being in the team.

"He can be particularly good at that [chasing down defenders]. One of the great centre-forwards in my time in the game was Ian Rush and he never gave defenders any time.

"Just when you thought, as a defender, you had that moment or two to clear the ball or look for the pass he was upon you. That is still an important part of the game."