'Hero' Stiliyan Petrov back on home turf
Sep 18 2008 By Nick Davis
VILLA midfielder Stiliyan Petrov may be a hero back in his native Bulgaria but his manager believes he will not be holding back when it comes to taking on top flight side Litex Lovech at the Gradksi Stadium in this afternoon’s UEA Cup first-round encounter.
Martin O’Neill believes Petrov is now in the best form of his Villa career and can be key to the Midland side’s success in the tournament this time around.
The Villa midfielder is such a superstar in his homeland that even his wedding was broadcast live on Bulgarian television and, together with new Manchester United ace Dimitar Berbatov, Petrov is a poster pin-up.
O’Neill believes despite his hero status, Petrov, 29, will break a few hearts with his performance in claret and blue as Villa look to progress through Europe this season.
The Bulgarian international has been mobbed by autograph hunters throughout his two-day stay having once almost signed for Litex Lovech prior to his move to Celtic.
O’Neill said: “He is playing fantastically for us at the moment with high energy and great confidence. He is a big star over here.”
He recalled: “I remember when Stiliyan got married and the wedding was live on Bulgarian television. All the girls were crying afterwards apparently but I am certainly delighted with him.
“Bulgarians love football – look at Berbatov, Martin Petrov and Stiliyan – they are all big stars.”
Petrov joined Villa from Celtic in August 2008 and has had a rocky start to life in t he English Premier League. But towards the end of last season he found a rich vein of form which culminated in his stunning 50-yard goal-of-the-season against Derby at Pride Park.
That has continued this season with him recently being offerd a new and extended contract.
O’Neill said: “The back-end of last season he got a bit of confidence when he moved into the holding midfield role for us. It was not Stiliyian’s position when he played at Celtic – he was the one going forward – but he has adjusted very well.”
“He has got a bit of discipline about his game but more importantly he has got confidence from a couple of performances at the end of last season.
“Maybe the great goal he scored against Derby last season will have given him a boost too because that is something he has stopped doing.
“His overall contribution to the side has been terrific and he has allowed Gareth Barry to go and play in a more attacking role which he doesn’t play for England.”
