Stiliyan Petrov on course to win fitness race for Aston Villa opener

Aug 12 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“In terms of Stiliyan, I would like him to be fit for Saturday if at all possible,” said O’Neill.

“Fabian had a sore foot after the Fiorentina game. I would have been expecting a call from the England under-21 physio if there was a further problem.

“Luke has trained. That is pleasing.

“It has been a very frustrating pre-season for him. He came back with plenty of determination after recovering from his previous injury. Yet he’s been unable to play a single game.

“Moustapha has had problems, too. He picked up an illness and he’s only just recovering from that.

“It’s been a wee bit like that for a few of the players – stop-start. But it’s a long season ahead.

“We might not have everyone available this weekend but we have Wigan, Rapid Vienna, Liverpool, Rapid Vienna and Fulham before there’s another international break. We have plenty of games,” added O’Neill.