STILIYAN Petrov has wished Jermaine Jenas a speedy recovery and insisted he welcomes the increased competition from Villa’s loanee.

Jenas is expected to overcome a thigh injury to make his debut in Tuesday’s Carling Cup tie against Bolton at Villa Park.

A thigh strain picked up in training ruled the 28-year-old out of last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Everton and is also likely to prohibit his involvement in Saturday’s home match against his former club Newcastle.

Jenas will add to Alex McLeish’s midfield options and put pressure on Petrov’s place when he is fit enough to kick off his 12-month spell on loan from Tottenham.

But the Bulgarian international and Villa captain is glad to have Jenas in the squad, even if it does means there is extra competition for him in the centre of the park.

Jenas has experience of representing England and playing for Spurs in the Champions League, so Petrov hopes the new boy will bring out the best in his team-mates.