Stilian Petrov: I want to be a Holte End hero at Aston Villa

Apr 18 2008 By Bill Howell

STILIYAN Petrov is eyeing hero status at Villa Park and knows another wonder goal like the one at Derby will take him one giant step towards it.

The Bulgarian has suddenly shown evidence of his undoubted potential with back-to-back performances of quality after 18 months of mediocrity.

Now he has set his sights on putting Blues to the sword by helping Villa to a fourth straight league win over their rivals for the first time since 1980.

"Every player wants to be a hero, every player wants to be loved," he said.

"Every player wants to be known as a good player - that is what we are all striving for.

"As long as we win 1-0 the fans can sing all the names in the team."

Few were singing Petrov's name until he earned a standing ovation against Bolton.

"When I get criticised I get more motivated," he said.

"I will always be the first to criticise myself, because I know what I am capable of. It's my second year and I need to start showing it because not every fan in every club has patience."