Gabby Agbonlahor could still have a key role at Aston Villa if he maintains his current rate of progress, says manager Steve Bruce.
The 30-year-old striker fell out of favour at the club under the previous management, following a series of well-publicised off-field misdemeanours.
Agbonlahor came off the bench in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham - his first appearance for Villa since March.
"He's played in the big league. I'd be foolish to discard him," said Bruce.
"If we can get him right, he can be as good as any striker in this league," added the Villa boss, who said after his appointment earlier in October that the door was not shut on any player at the Championship club.