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Stiliyan Petrov insists Aston Villa squad never gave up on Stephen Ireland
The 25-year-old was instrumental in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Chelsea, scoring one and setting up another, as he looks to kick-start his career in the West Midlands
2 Jan 2012 13:30:00
By Arthur Virgo
Getty Images
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov says he and his team-mates never lost faith in Stephen Ireland, after the midfielder inspired Saturday’s 3-1 victory away to Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has suffered a turbulent time since his move to Villa Park from Manchester City in August 2010, with the former Republic of Ireland international sent out on loan to Newcastle United during the second half of last season.
After his latest spell on the sidelines, boss Alex McLeish recalled Ireland to the starting XI for Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge, and he repaid his manager's faith, scoring the first goal before setting up the third for Darren Bent.
Petrov, who scored Villa’s second goal in the victory, told Sky Sports: "A lot of people have given up on Ireland but we haven't.
“We can see him every day in training, what kind of player he is, and he came in under a lot of pressure and put in a very fine performance.
"I think the last three games have been our best three performances of the season. We look stronger as a team, we work very hard for each other and we are looking very well balanced."
For his part, McLeish challenged the playmaker to maintain his level of performance, warning: "We need instant performances from my players. I can't say to players, 'I'll give you five games', if we're going to get beaten in those five games."
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The 25-year-old has suffered a turbulent time since his move to Villa Park from Manchester City in August 2010, with the former Republic of Ireland international sent out on loan to Newcastle United during the second half of last season.
After his latest spell on the sidelines, boss Alex McLeish recalled Ireland to the starting XI for Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge, and he repaid his manager's faith, scoring the first goal before setting up the third for Darren Bent.
Petrov, who scored Villa’s second goal in the victory, told Sky Sports: "A lot of people have given up on Ireland but we haven't.
“We can see him every day in training, what kind of player he is, and he came in under a lot of pressure and put in a very fine performance.
"I think the last three games have been our best three performances of the season. We look stronger as a team, we work very hard for each other and we are looking very well balanced."
For his part, McLeish challenged the playmaker to maintain his level of performance, warning: "We need instant performances from my players. I can't say to players, 'I'll give you five games', if we're going to get beaten in those five games."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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