Petrov welcomes midfield competition

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is grateful to have competition from Jermaine Jenas and Fabian Delph in the central midfield.

Both players have struggled with injuries this term, but with each nearing fitness, the Bulgarian believes the standard in the centre of the pitch will rise.

“Every day in training we try to push each other and improve each other. It’s great to have Jermaine back with us,” Petrov told the club’s official website.

“(He) has been unlucky with injuries so far but we know how important he can be for this team. He has shown over the years what a good player he is.”

“He’s a typical midfielder. He can defend, he can attack, he can score goals and he’s a good athlete. He will be a great addition to the squad when he starts playing.”

Petrov also praised 21-year-old Delph. With eight starts this season, the 2009 Football League Young Player of the Year is already proving his value to the Villans.

“I think he’s unique because he’s got that aggression about his game,” Petrov said.

“He’s very little but he’s very aggressive. He wants to win every single battle, even in training, even in the gym. He’s exceptional – you need to see the drive this boy has got.”

“I’m really happy for Fabian now. When he came to the club I was here and I know how much he was looking forward to playing in the Premier League.”

“He was really excited and then he got injured and needed to wait so long to get fully fit. Now he is and he’s doing really well.”

Ninth-place Villa host Norwich City, a place and a point above them in the league, on Saturday.