Paul Merson believes Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor have turned Aston Villa into Aston Thriller.

The former midfield maestro believes the deadly duo have had a massive impact on Villa's rise to the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "Gabby and Ashley are both so exciting to watch. I appreciate it's a team game but they have played a huge part in taking Martin O'Neill's team into third place.

"They have been absolutely outstanding. They both have so much youthful enthusiasm and are blessed with so much pace.

"Gabby has been getting better and better and he's been working very hard on his game. He's been scoring goals as well.

"As for Ashley, I can't speak highly enough of him. He's different class and I rate him higher than Theo Walcott. I can't believe he's not playing for England.

"If we have two better wingers than him, then Fabio Capello's a lucky guy.

"What I love about him is he runs with pace and then slows down and delivers a good cross. Gabby and Ashley are my early candidates for Player of the Year."