Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill praises midfield duo

30 Apr 2007 - 15:00:11

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has backed the midfield pairing of Stiliyan Petrov and Craig Gardner to be a major force in the Premiership next season.

Petrov has been criticised for a sting of below-par displays since his big-money transfer from Celtic, but O'Neill thinks the Bulgarian is finally coming to terms with life in England's top-flight.

The 27-year-old produced one of his best displays of the season in the 2-0 win at Manchester City as Villa moved closer to a top-half finish after an inconsistent season.

"There were some great performances,'' O'Neill said of the Eastlands success.

"Gareth Barry was terrific, as were Ashley Young and Stiliyan Petrov. I thought Petrov was really, really excellent.

"Next season we will hopefully see Petrov play with great adventure. We are trying to get a balance in there at this minute.

"I think it has worked with young Gardner in there, and because we have a bit of pace and a bit of trickery up front, I always feel we are capable of creating something.

"It is all about the timing of runs but his enthusiasm to get forward all the time, and enthusiasm to get a challenge in, is delightful.

"Once he gets a bit more experience he will know when to time those things. Craig has been terrific all season. He has taken this opportunity and he is taking it brilliantly."