Stiliyan Petrov believes the new role handed to him by Martin O'Neill can prolong his playing career and he has his sights on "a massive season" next term.

Petrov was known as an attacking midfielder who could score vital goals during his lengthy spell under O'Neill at Celtic.

But the Bulgaria international now operates in more of a holding role behind in-demand skipper Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker in a middle three.

And Petrov has finally started to show the sort of form which persuaded O'Neill to make him his first major Villa signing at