'The players must be proud of themselves' - Gabby Agbonlahor hails Aston Villa despite 3-1 defeat to PSG in Champions League quarter-final first leg

Agbonlahor believes Villa can be proud of their performance against Paris Saint-Germain despite falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes. The former Villa striker was particularly impressed with the Premier League side's ability to stay in the game after going behind, as Emiliano Martinez kept the score down with a string of fine saves.

Unai Emery's team travelled to the French capital as significant underdogs and face an uphill battle to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Despite the loss, Agbonlahor was keen to highlight the positives after watching his former club frustrate the Parisians for large spells.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the ex-Villa striker said: "From an Aston Villa point of view, the players must be proud of themselves. You're playing against the best team in the world... Teams will go to that stadium and get beat 6-7. For Aston Villa to keep it down to 3-1, you're in the tie."

Villa face already-relegated Southampton this weekend before the second leg against PSG at Villa Park.