GERARD Houllier insists Stiliyan Petrov is still the ultimate leader in Villa’s dressing room after describing the returning captain as “good as gold”.

Houllier has been delighted with Petrov’s attitude since the Bulgarian midfielder was left out of his Premier League starting line-up at the end of February.

And the Villa boss reckons his skipper’s response in training and around the club justified his recall for Sunday’s vital Villa Park victory over Newcastle.

Petrov was one of the claret and blues’ best performers at the weekend and he is expected to retain his place for Saturday’s visit to fellow strugglers West Ham.  

He was a substitute for the league games against Blackpool, Blackburn, Bolton, Wolves and Everton after being told he was no longer a guaranteed starter.

Houllier has preferred to play Jean Makoun and Nigel Reo-Coker in central midfield in recent weeks, although Petrov got the nod over the latter on Sunday.

Villa will continue to rotate their squad during the next six games with Houllier keen to keep all of his players fresh for the crucial survival run-in.  

“I felt during the week that Stiliyan was fitter and more prepared in every aspect of his game and that he would be extremely important for us,” said Houllier.

“So that is why I played him and I was pleased because I felt he had one of his best performances for us and showed his qualities on the pitch.

“I think if you look at all of the other teams, sometimes they rotate their players whether it is for injuries, fitness or suspension – it is the modern game now.

“But Stiliyan is high at the moment ,which I am pleased about, and that has benefitted us.”