Villa youngsters hail role model Stiliyan Petrov

Nov 21 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

VILLA skipper Stiliyan Petrov has been hailed as the ultimate role model by two of the claret and blue youngsters hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Marc Albrighton and Gary Gardner insist the Bulgarian midfielder is an on-field example and an off-field mentor to Villa’s up-and-coming players.

The duo say Petrov and many of the other senior professionals in Martin O’Neill’s first-team squad are always on hand to offer their support.

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“You get people like Stan Petrov who, if you need a bit of advice, you can just go up to and ask,” said Albrighton. “There are a few who will give you their thoughts, but he’s one of the best.

“He will never turn around and say ‘no’ if you want advice. It’s great to have him there.”

Gardner agrees and insists it is a privilege to watch and learn from the former Celtic play-maker.

“I love watching Stan play,” he said. “He is a model professional and a great player. He does everything well. He is a hard worker but he’s also incredibly skilful.

“He attacks, but defends too. He manages to get up and down the pitch and has a fantastic engine. He’s a captain the players look up to as well.”

But as well as father figure Petrov, Gardner junior is also mindful not to forget his big brother Craig, who is also helping him to improve his game.

“Craig has been a big inspiration in my career so far,” he added.

“I look up to him and after every game he watches I ask him what I have done right and what I have done wrong. He’s my role model.”

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