Petrov sets sights on winning trophies

Posted Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by PA

Skipper Stiliyan Petrov has called on Aston Villa to take the next step after three years of progression under manager Martin O'Neill and start winning silverware.

Petrov believes Villa have been heading in the right direction since O'Neill took charge in the summer of 2006, with two successive top six finishes in the Barclays Premier League.

Now the Bulgaria international wants Villa to put a trophy in the cabinet ahead of Wednesday's home Carling Cup clash with Cardiff.

Petrov told Press Association Sport: "I think we have made very good progress in the last couple of years but now we will try to aim for something higher. We will try and get some silverware and I hope we can do it this season.

"It will be hard. I think people expect more from us. We know the expectations from last season, the pressure that comes with it, and we are ready to fight again and handle that pressure.

"Every player here wants to win things. That's what we are fighting for and the fans want to see the team do well."

O'Neill is expected to make changes from the side which overcame Portsmouth 2-0 at the weekend - their fourth successive league win - to face the Bluebirds.

But Petrov is convinced Villa now have the strength in depth to be able to rotate without weakening the side.

He said: "It is a good sized squad. That is why the manager brought players in. He will rotate.

"We've got cup games, league games, games that will come quickly, especially around Christmas time, so it is up to the manager how we rotate.

"We've got players to bring in now and we will be just as strong and everyone is prepared to play. Even those not playing will be working to get their chance."

One player waiting to see if he will get an opportunity against Cardiff is midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who was left out of the squad to face Pompey after a training ground bust-up with O'Neill.

He has since apologised to O'Neill and will hope the no-nonsense former Celtic boss is in a forgiving mood.

Petrov said: "I have spoken to Nigel. No-one would want to be in this situation and Nigel knows what he's done.

"The manager knows as well and we will try and help them both to get things right and get up and running again.

"Things like that happen. We are happy we have players like that. We have players who want to speak, want to fight, want to be a winner so that is a good thing. These things happen."

Villa have made exits from the competition to lower graded Leicester and QPR in the past two seasons and O'Neill is keen to make progress even though he will make changes.

He said: "I'll have a look at things. We will make changes but I really want to win the game."

Striker Emile Heskey is battling to overcome the ankle injury suffered after coming on as a substitute against Portsmouth.

Cardiff midfielder Stephen McPhail will miss out through suspension.

McPhail was sent off in last week's win over Reading and despite an appeal the decision was upheld by the FA of Wales.

The 29-year-old missed the weekend loss against QPR and will serve the second game of a three-match ban.

Manager Dave Jones is set to ring the changes and give his fringe players a run-out, with Peter Enckelman, Gabor Gyepes and Tony Capaldi expected to feature.

Adam Matthews could make a return to the squad if he recovers from a groin problem in time and fit-again Riccy Scimeca will be pressing for a start against his old club after his return at the the weekend.

Striker Ross McCormack has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury and will miss out, meaning youngster Josh Magennis could come into the attack to partner Jay Bothroyd or Michael Chopra.