O’Neill may bring Petrov in from the cold

MARTIN O’NEILL last night revealed he had forgiven Stilian Petrov and was ready to bring the inspirational midfielder back for the UEFA Cup showdown with Blackburn.

The Bulgarian international skipper angered his club boss at the weekend by stating he would not sign a new deal and would be forced to leave for better money - and was promptly axed from the 16 at Dundee United on Sunday.

But on the day that Garry Flitcroft was ruled out of the Blackburn side, the Celtic manager had some good news for the supporters with the possible return of Petrov.