Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is hoping to visit Stiliyan Petrov today, as the Bulgarian starts his treatment for leukemia in a London hospital.

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov told his team-mates he will win his battle against acute leukaemia in an emotional address before Saturday’s Premier League clash at home to Chelsea.

Caretaker manager Terry Connor’s fifth successive defeat was blighted by an astonishing stand-up row between skipper Roger Johnson and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

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Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov starts treatment on Monday for acute leukaemia with club manager Alex McLeish claiming the fighting spirit of the midfielder will help him conquer his illness.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the fighting spirit of skipper Stiliyan ‘Stan’ Petrov will help him in his battle to overcome acute leukaemia.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the fighting spirit of skipper Stiliyan ’Stan’ Petrov will help him in his battle to overcome acute leukaemia.

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, the club have said.

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent will see a joint specialist today to determine the extent of his ankle injury, it is understood.

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has revealed he is continuing to select veteran striker Emile Heskey despite him suffering an Achilles problem because of his importance to the team.

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov will not require surgery to cure his knee problem – but will still be out of action for up to three months.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is keeping his fingers crossed skipper Stiliyan Petrov will not need surgery to resolve his knee problem.

Aston Villa striker John Carew could return from injury for the Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening.

Aston Villa are sweating over the fitness of their Player Of The Year Stiliyan Petrov who suffered a dislocated shoulder during the Peace Cup clash with Atlante.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year contract today.

ASTON VILLA manager Martin O’Neill believes defender Nicky Shorey has taken inspiration from midfielder Stiliyan Petrov in battling back to regain his first-team spot.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is stepping up his bid to persuade key midfielder Stiliyan Petrov to sign a new contract.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan played down his indifferent record at Ibrox as he looks for only his second Old Firm win in Govan at the seventh attempt tomorrow.

MANCHESTER CITY manager Mark Hughes believes Steve McClaren deserves credit for re-launching his career abroad.

ROY KEANE remains gloomier than a month of wet Sundays. The Sunderland manager had caused ripples of anxiety to spread through Wearside last week when lamenting his team’s winning, if unconvincing, performance in the Carling Cup against Northampton and this frustrating defeat drew another barrage of moans.

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.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has admitted midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is suffering from a crisis of confidence.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will be out of action for at least two weeks with a hamstring problem.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is back in training and confident he will be available for the Barclays Premiership clash at Newcastle on January 31.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is to leave midfielder Stiliyan Petrov out of his plans for Saturday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester United to enable him to recover fully from a hamstring problem.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov should be fit to return to action in Saturday’s home Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is hoping to persuade midfielder Stiliyan Petrov to reconsider his decision to quit international football with Bulgaria.