Olof Mellberg has praised Aston Villa teammate Stiliyan Petrov for the way he has bounced back in recent weeks.

Mellberg said: "Is this a rebirth for Petrov? Yes, hopefully so. He started his Villa career really well. He had a great game on his debut against West Ham away and we saw his talent back then.

"He has got that ability in him and he has worked very hard and he works very hard in training and in games as well.

"It was important for Stiliyan when he came back into the side to do well for two or three games and that will definitely lift him."

Skipper Gareth Barry added: "In the last two or three games, Stiliyan has found his confidence.

"The fans have been on his back a tiny bit, which happens, but he has shown his character by bouncing back with two or three great performances, including at Birmingham."