Martin O’Neill believes Stiliyan Petrov is finally ready to show his true colours for Villa.
O’Neill’s first signing as Villa boss, a £6.5m arrival from Celtic in August 2006, has so far struggled to justify the big outlay.
But the 28-year-old Bulgarian international has come in from the cold to start the last three games and was one of Villa’s best players in Sunday’s 2-1 Second City derby win against Birmingham at St Andrew’s.
“I thought Petrov was really terrific for us,” said O’Neill.
“That’s the sort of form I’m looking for and he can do even better. He knows that.
“His confidence is gradually returning. He knows he has big points to prove here to fans, but I thought the determination he showed was superb.
“A couple of times he was the one to get back, challenge and get things going for us – that wee drive which is part of his game.
“I must admit he’s had to restrict that part here for a little while because I have asked him to sit there, but all of those things can come into his game.
“I’m really pleased for him, and I think he’s pleased himself. Is it his rebirth at Villa? Well, like anything else there’s no point in making big statements but I’m really pleased for him because I know what he’s capable of doing.
“He’ll be the first to admit he’s not shown that in any abundance whatsoever since his arrival.”
O’Neill has reflected on his first Second City showdown admitting victory was “much more” than three points.
“It was an important win for everybody, the fans are delighted, it was a big win,” he said.
“Naturally we were delighted with it. It was always going to be more than about the three points. We won and deserved to win – I thought we played really well.
“I still believe it was on a knife-edge when Birmingham equalised. The game could have gone either way and on little things the game can hinge.
“Gabby stopped it at one end and scored at the other.”
And central defender Zat Knight insists there is much more to come from Villa after they made it seven points from the last nine.
“It’s a positive to be able to win when we’re not at our best. I’m sure there’s more to come from us,” he said.
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