Source: SKY_Sports
Petrov backs Villa pair
Stiliyan Petrov says his Aston Villa team-mates Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor deserve to go to the World Cup finals with England.
The Three Lions will qualify for the finals in South Africa if they beat Croatia on 9th September and Petrov has seen enough of the pair to believe they can hold their own should Fabio Capello come calling.
Petrov's backing comes after the pair have flitted in and out of Capello's plans since the Italian took over as England head coach 20 months ago.
The Bulgarian said: "Both Gabby and Ashley deserve to be in there with England - but don't forget England have great players.
"They are battling; they want to be there. They are pushing for their places in the England squad to go to the World Cup - and they will be doing it all season.
"They deserve to be there. They have a manager (Capello) who will ultimately decide, but I think they are putting their names forward every single time the squad is announced."
Petrov added: "They would be ready for the World Cup if they are picked.
"They perform very well every single week in one of the best leagues in the world - so why not?
"They are still young and, with the ability they have, they are such exciting players.
"They will make sure they work for it."
Agbonlahor showed signs of being back to his best against Fulham on Saturday after being given an extended summer break by Villa boss Martin O'Neill following his involvement in the European Under 21 Championship in Swede.
Petrov added: "A lot of people forget Gabby has only been back three weeks. That was his second game since he came back, so he is battling for his fitness.
"Against Liverpool on Monday, he worked his socks hard and was great for the team and never gave up - and it was the same against Fulham.
"He is working hard to get fit and he will get better and better."
Petrov is delighted by Villa's return to form after notching up successive wins against Liverpool and Fulham following their shock 2-0 opening day defeat to Wigan at Villa Park.
"It is good to go into the international break on the back of a win," he said.
"After the first game against Wigan - when we were poor - we were good against Liverpool and carried on against Fulham.
"We are going to have the international break and we hope everyone comes back without any injuries and we are then ready to go again and push on."
