Stiliyan Petrov will continue as Aston Villa captain under new manager Gerard Houllier.
The Bulgarian international was given the armband in succession to Gareth Barry two years ago when the midfielder looked destined to move to Liverpool before eventually signing for Manchester City 12 months later.
Houllier said: "I won't change captain. The captain is not only the leader on the field. He is a leader by example."
The Frenchman added: "He knows what we want to do anyway. I prefer to rely on a group of leaders, two or three players - not only one person.
"One can be the technical leader, one can be the energiser, one can be the captain."
Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor remains Houllier's main injury concern ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Tottenham.
The England player has been troubled by calf and now groin problems during the current campaign.
But his forward partner John Carew (back) and defender Richard Dunne (knee) are expected to be back in contention for the trip to White Hart Lane.
Source: PA
