Petrov ready for talks

Stilian Petrov’s agent today revealed he is ready to revive contract negotiations with Celtic as soon as manager Martin O’Neill gets in touch.

The 22-year-old still has over two years remaining on his current deal, but talks broke down after both parties failed to reach an agreement over new terms.

The Bulgarian international captain then upset O’Neill when he said he would not sign the new contract and he would be forced to leave for better money.

But Petrov has since got back in the good books and has shown how influential he is to the club during Celtic’s UEFA Cup run and return to the top of the Scottish Premier League.

The midfielder’s agent also revealed he is happy at Parkhead and is ready to reopen discussions with O’Neill at any moment.

Latchezar Tanev told the Press Association: “He has a contract there at Celtic that goes on for two more years and he is not interested in anything else at the minute.

“He is very happy at Celtic and does not want to leave. He has a lot of respect for the manager and he is very professional.

“In the future we will see what will happen with him because he is a very good young player, who has so much ahead of him.

“I am ready to speak with Martin O’Neill at any time he makes contact, but I have nothing special to speak to him about at the minute.

“But if he wants to reopen talks with me soon then of course I am willing to do that because Stilian is very happy in Glasgow.”

Petrov was Celtic’s best player in their 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Celta Vigo at Parkhead, illustrating how important he is to the club.

The youngster has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but today’s news is encouraging for O’Neill.

The midfielder produced a superb display despite having 15 stitches in a facial wound at the weekend and his boss singled him for extra praise after last night’s performance.

“He was terrific,” said O’Neill. “I wouldn’t have given him much chance to play on Sunday when he came off at Livingston.

“But his spirit never wavered and he epitomises our own performance and the side also played with plenty of spirit and determination no doubt about it.”