Laursen Hails Skipper Petrov

Martin Laursen says Villa couldn't have found a better Captain than Petrov following his injury and unfortunate retirement from the game.

As the feel good factor and the hype builds as we head into FA Cup semi final weekend, the Official Site is carrying quotes from Man Mountain Martin Laursen who comments that he believes Petrov is the perfect captain for the club given his 'quality and quantity' of matches this season which puts Petrov in Laursen's Top 3 for Player of the Year.

Ok, there are a number of fans who would disagree with that assessment, but it's almost impossible to disagree with his other two nominations for Player of the Season, namely James Milner and Richard Dunne.

No doubt over the coming weeks we'll hear more from former players over who should take this years title, but for now sticking with Petrov, Laursen says:

'Stiliyan has played a lot of games and has been important for the team in all of them. He is taking on a lot of responsibility, he has stepped into that role very well.'

Adding that Stan can be seen constantly talking to his colleagues, encouraging them and leading by example during matches and that's not including his work at breaking up the oppositions attack and playing the holding role to let our more creative players roam forward.

It'll be personal opinion on whether you agree with him or not, but we all know communication has been far improved this season and it has to be a key reason why we defend better as a whole team when we are against the cosh, and you can't take away stan's effort in helping that to happen.

He may be on his last legs at points and in need of a desperate rest but he gives his all.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.