Petrov a doubt for Villa

Aston Villa have a doubt over midfielder Stiliyan Petrov for Monday night’s trip to Newcastle United.

The Bulgarian international picked up a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s 3-2 win against Blackburn and will be given a late fitness test with Steve Sidwell on stand-by to replace him.

Sidwell has yet to start a Barclays Premier League game for Villa having been troubled by injury since his £5m summer switch from Chelsea.

Manager Martin O’Neill must also decide whether to recall striker John Carew to the starting line-up.

The Norwegian international has started the last two games on the bench after missing the UEFA Cup tie against Ajax through illness.

Team (from): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Knight, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Routledge, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Barry, A Young, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood, Gardner, Salifou, Osbourne, Guzan.