Players send support to Aston Villa star Stiliyan Petrov

The West Midlands football family today rallied round Stiliyan Petrov after the Villa captain was diagnosed with acute Leukaemia.

Messages of support were sent to the club and also via Twitter as current and former players reacted to the news.

Villa striker Darren Bent tweeted: "Really sad news to hear about our captain Stan Petrov. Hopefully he'll be back fighting fit soon."

Goalkeeper Shay Given also said on Twitter: "In shock about Stiliyan Petrov's acute leukaemia but we are all here for him and his family.

"Please God he makes a full recovery. #prayforstan."

And the message was the same from Villa midfielder Barry Bannan, who grew up watching the Bulgarian play for Celtic in his native Scotland.

"Stan my hero and now our captain get well soon mate we are all here for you and your family," Bannan tweeted.

There was also an outpouring of support from other clubs in the region.

Wolves striker Steven Fletcher tweeted: "Hope Stiliyan gets well soon...great player and a legend of a guy!!" while winger Matt Jarvis said: "Sad to hear about Stiliyan, hope he makes a full recovery soon!"

Albion defender Steven Reid tweeted: "Best wishes to Stiliyan Petrov and family. Hope he makes full recovery and gets back playing."

Baggies defender Jonas Olsson tweeted: "Get well soon Petrov... Hope to see you back on the pitch asap."

Petrov also received support from former club Celtic where manager Neil Lennon, who also played alongside the 32-year-old, said: "I am absolutely inconsolable regarding Stiliyan. He will overcome this."