Martin O’Neill has challenged Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov to reproduce the form on a permanent basis that won him a standing ovation from fans during Saturday’s win over Bolton.
Petrov has struggled to show the level of performance that persuaded O’Neill to spend £6m to sign the player from Celtic in the summer of 2006.
The Bulgarian international was even left out of the side for a five-game spell after being substituted at half-time against Newcastle last month when looking completely out of touch.
But Petrov was one of the few players to make an impression when recalled against Manchester United last weekend.
And he sparkled against the Trotters before being substituted to applause all around the ground in the closing stages.
O’Neill said: “Stiliyan got a great reception because he played very well. I was pleased for him because the last time he played at Villa Park, I took him off in the game at half-time against Newcastle.
“His confidence was at a really low ebb then. He had to come back here and battle through that. He knew that.
“I’m aware of what he is capable of doing - that is why I signed him - but it is something the Villa fans have seen all too seldom. It is up to him. He is capable of producing that.
“I am really pleased for him. He will be pleased with himself because he can play like that and he was excellent.”
O’Neill added: “I thought last week at Old Trafford there were signs when he didn’t do too badly in the game but against Bolton was a big, big day for him. I think he was up for it.”
Petrov may now be given an extended run particularly as fellow midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has to serve a two-game ban after collecting his 10th booking of the campaign.
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