Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has reached a compromise with manager Gerard Houllier after being told his increased weight training was affecting his explosive pace.

Agbonlahor has bulked up considerably in the past 12 months after his new-found love with the gym. Houllier fears that has affected Agbonlahor's quickness and he has endured an injury-hit first half of the campaign.

17602 - Gabriel Agbonlahor strikes a balance

Agbonlahor can see the manager's viewpoint but also does not want to trim down completely. The England player said: "I can see where the manager is coming from, of course, but I think I was the same last season and that was my best season at Villa.

"I think maybe if I trimmed down and became how I was when I first broke into the team then I might lose an element to my game. If I start to get bullied by defenders people will then say I am not strong enough for the Premier League so you can't win either way. But it is about getting that balance. I feel fine and as sharp and fast as I ever have.''

Meanwhile Agbonlahor's strike partner, Emile Heskey, looks like winning his battle to be fit for Sunday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Heskey missed the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City on Tuesday after twisting his ankle against Tottenham on Boxing Day. But the 32-year-old returned to training on Thursday.