Martin O’Neill has revealed his delight at Stiliyan Petrov’s performance in Aston Villa’s 4-0 hammering of Bolton Wanderers.
The Bulgarian midfielder was signed from Celtic for ₤6.5 million in the summer of 2006 after an impressive seven-year career in Glasgow.
The 28-year-old has failed to show his best form for the Villans, and has been relegated to a squad role as Nigel Reo-Coker has been preferred to partner Gareth Barry in midfield.
But after a dynamic display against the Trotters that recalled his best years north of the border, O’Neill is thrilled – and relieved – that Petrov has finally shown he can perform on the Premier League stage.
“I’m aware of what he is capable of but it is something the Villa fans have seen all too seldom,” said the former Celtic manager, who managed Petrov in Scotland. “Bolton was a big, big day for Stiliyan and he got a great reception because he played very well.
“I’m pleased for him because he can play like that and he was excellent.”
“I think he was up for the game, which was obvious from his performance, and by half-time his confidence was really high.
“I thought last week at Old Trafford there were signs when he didn’t do too badly in the game. I was pleased for him because the last time he played at Villa Park, I took him off in the game at half-time against Newcastle.
“He is capable of producing and that is why I signed him.”
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