Petrov poised to boost Villa

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is winning his battle to be fit for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.

The Bulgarian has resumed training after a virus forced him to miss the midweek FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill appears to have no major fresh injury worries, and goalkeeper Brad Friedel, central defender James Collins and striker Emile Heskey will come into contention after being rested for the Palace match.

Reserve goalkeeper Brad Guzan has played in all of Villa’s previous matches in the competition this season but has looked uncertain in recent games and O’Neill is likely to choose the experienced Friedel ahead of him.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Guzan, Cuellar, L Young, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Davies, Warnock, A Young, Milner, Petrov, Sidwell, Delph, Downing, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Carew, Delfouneso.