O’Neill glad Shorey follows Petrov’s lead
Petrov became O’Neill’s first major signing in a £6 million switch from Celtic in the summer of 2006 but struggled initially to make an impact at Villa Park.
The Bulgarian was even axed from the starting line-up for a spell, but won over the doubters and is tipped him as a contender for the club’s player of the year award.
Shorey made the £5m move from Reading in August but was dropped from the side in November after the shock home defeat to Middlesbrough.
The England player has also shown battling qualities similar to Petrov and finally regained his spot for Villa’s last two Premier League games with Manchester United and Everton.
O’Neill said: “It is very possible that Nicky has taken inspiration from the example of Stiliyan. He is the best case scenario in point when talking about players here.
“Only a year ago people were concerning themselves about whether Stiliyan had a future here. But he has battled back so much.
“If every person shows the same determination and willingness and drive that Stiliyan has shown the last year, there will be a future for anyone.”
O’Neill is aware of the need for Villa to end their 10-game run without a win against visiting West Ham today if they are to harbour hopes of making a late claim for a Champions League spot.
And he concedes that managing to triumph in just five home games this season has been a major factor in Villa being overhauled in the past month by Arsenal in the battle for fourth spot.
He said: “We need to win a game. We fought back against Everton last weekend to draw 3-3 after being 3-1 down although the result did neither of us any favours.
“We need to win our games and for people to do favours for us but, while there is still hope, we might as well go for it.”
Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is doubtful to face the Hammers after suffering a hamstring injury against David Moyes’ side.
But fellow forward Emile Heskey and central defender Carlos Cuellar are back in contention after hamstring and back problems respectively.
Meanwhile, Gianfranco Zola is hopeful of signing a new contract at West Ham despite a looming change in the club’s ownership.
Current owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the recession-hit Icelandic financier, is expected to have to hand over West Ham to his major creditor, Icelandic bank Straumur, who are themselves in financial trouble and effectively being run by officials appointed by the Icelandic government.
But Zola has insisted he wants to stay at Upton Park, with positive moves on a new improved deal.
The Sardinian said: “I have started something at this club and I want to see how it goes in the next few years.
“On the contract there are some positive things. We will see but hopefully in the next few weeks things will be settled.”
Zola is hopeful midfielder Radoslav Kovac will have recovered from a thigh injury in time to face Villa. But Zola is less confident over Scott Parker, who is suffering from a groin injury.
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