Stiliyan Petrov says his new role at Aston Villa can prolong his playing career as he eyes "a massive season" next term. Petrov was known as an attacking midfielder who could score vital goals during his lengthy spell under O'Neill at Celtic.

But the Bulgaria international now operates in more of a holding role behind captain Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker in a middle three. And Petrov has finally started to show the sort of form which persuaded O'Neill to make him his first major Villa signing at £6million in the summer of 2006.