Petrov Aims For New Year Return

Stiliyan Petrov has said that he has set his sights on returning early in the New Year and hopes to be back for the Carling Cup Semi's should we progress on Wednesday.

Speaking to the The Independent Stan admitted that he was hopeful he would be back nice and early and that his recovery from his knee injury was going well, but that more importantly he is hoping to step up his rehab work this week.

'It's difficult to say when I will be fit to play again, but I'm making steady progress. With a bit of luck, I should be back early in the New Year.'

Petrov is one of a number of players who would love nothing more than to put last year's disappointment behind them and give a fair showing of themselves in this year's final (dare I say see a fair refereeing performance?) but he knows the clash against Small Heath isn't going to be easy.

'We would love to go back to Wembley and lift the trophy this time. Overcoming Birmingham will not be easy, they showed against Chelsea last week that they are capable of matching the best. BUT the same can be said of us.'

Ultimately comes down to who has their day on Wednesday doesn't it. Do we give a United first half or an Arsenal one?

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

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