Aston Villa skipper John McGinn is likely to retain the captaincy after his improved form this season, according to ex-Villans striker Gabby Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: McGinn under Emery

The Scot had a tough start to the Premier League season after being given the captaincy in place of Tyrone Mings, struggling to enjoy his usual influence.

McGinn was on the bench in Unai Emery's first game in charge, however, he returned to the starting line up against Brighton prior to the international break.

There had been doubts over the midfielder's role as captain and even future but he appears to have silenced his doubters after helping Villa to a 2-1 win at the Amex.

The Latest: Scot backed to remain as captain

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, who contributes for talkSPORT, talked glowingly about McGinn as a player, also saying he should remain as skipper:

"For me, McGinn looked like a man possessed. He was everywhere and looked like the old McGinn that we are used to. He was aggressive and made the run for the penalty.

"He deserves a lot of plaudits because he’s had it hard recently. He’s a player that I like.

"It was a captain’s performance for him. As much as people are saying that the captaincy should go back to Mings or to Martinez, Unai Emery will probably think from that game ‘That was a captain’s performance. I’m in no rush to decide, let’s just see how the players go’.

"The break will do a lot of players favours. It will be nice for them to get a holiday, a bit of sun and back for a little pre-season."

The Verdict: Correct decision

Emery may have been impressed by what he saw from McGinn prior to the World Cup break and it would be a surprise if he suddenly stripped him of the captaincy.

To make such a decision so soon after he took on the mantle from Mings would feel needless, potentially affecting the player's confidence when he is still new to the role.

McGinn's more recent form suggests that he may have turned a corner and there is no reason why cannot be a strong captain for Villa for a number of years to come.