John Carew a doubt for Stoke trip

Villa striker John Carew has emerged as a doubt for Monday's Stoke trip - as Stiliyan Petrov considers quitting international football.

Carew has recently been hampered by a knee problem and limped off just 37 minutes into Norway's Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Portugal in Oslo last night.

And, Villa and Bulgaria team captain Petrov is considering quitting international football with immediate effect, following his country's 1-0 home defeat to Montenegro last night.

Boss Stanimir Stoilov has already resigned in the wake of the result, which followed Friday's 4-0 drubbing by England, and believes Petrov could follow suit.

He said: "Stiliyan is seriously considering the option to quit the national team right now.

"Bulgaria really needs him and not only him, but Dimitar Berbatov as well.

"We are all to blame for the decision of our best players to say goodbye."

Back in England, Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is determined to make an impression on incoming new boss Gerard Houllier after returning to fitness.

Sidwell said: "Hopefully now I will just get an opportunity and I will take it. Everyone is walking with broad shoulders thinking they have got a chance.

"It is going to be tough but it is down to individuals to perform and show the manager you are worthy of a start.

"Once you get that, you have to take it with both hands."