Petrov reveals Villa delight

Stiliyan Petrov says he is loving life at Aston Villa and admits the competition for places can only be good for the club.

The Bulgarian is producing his best ever form for Villa and has earned plenty of praise from boss Martin O'Neill for his performances as Villa have got off to a flying start.

Petrov says he is enjoying regular first-team football but is not taking anything for granted as he knows his team-mates are waiting in the wings should he slip up.

"We all want to play as much as possible - we want to be in the team," he told Villa's website. "If the fierce competition continues, it will be fantastic because good performances are essential.

"Everyone in football knows the team is the most important thing. It's a collective effort.

"I am loving my football at the moment. You always enjoy it when the team is doing well. We are all working so hard and training is very intense."