Petrov hoping for return to form

Apr 2 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

STILIYAN Petrov will be aiming to take his delight at an international recall into tonight's clash with Everton.

The Villa midfielder has struggled for form since he surprisingly quit the Bulgarian scene in October following a row with coach Hristo Stoichkov.

One of Petrov's few eyecatching Villa performances came in the 1-0 win at Goodison Park in November.

But having done well against Albania in a goalless draw last week, he promises Villa fans they will soon see what he is really all about.

"It was great to be back. There was a lot of media coverage. Some agreed with me, others didn't. It is all about opinions but the fans were great."

Petrov hit the post with a long-range strike and is looking to add to his solitary Villa goal which arrived at Sheffield United in December.

"That is how my luck has been this season but it will come. It seems like I am trying everything to put that ball in the net but it is just not happening at the moment.

"I'm still looking for my first Villa Park goal and hopefully it will be a case of once I get one I can go on a bit of a run."

Petrov says Villa are up for tonight's clash as they set about gaining three points in some winnable home fixtures.

"This will be a hard game and that win up at Everton is in the past now. We're looking forward and we need to take the three points.

"All the boys are motivated and we're happy that all the international players have come back without injuries. We're all prepared for tonight's game but Everton are a decent side on a good run. They're all decent sides in this league and if you don't concentrate, you get punished."