Stiliyan Petrov has urged Shaun Maloney to resist a return to Celtic and stay with Aston Villa.

He said: "This is the league where Shaun should be right now. He should be enjoying every moment because a lot of players want to be in the Premiership.

"If he keeps smiling things will get better. Shaun is my friend but also a player with great quality.

"If you want to make your name sometimes you have to go through hard times.

"It's difficult for Shaun as it's his first time away from home. I know all about that.

"Shaun was a little homesick but I think he has overcome that. I have a part to play in saying to Shaun that he should stick around.

"Coming to a new place is tough but it's part of every player's career."