Petrov keen to prove boss wrong

Published Apr. 11, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Petrov won his 100th cap for Bulgaria during the recent international break and the achievement was honoured by Villa ahead of Sunday's game with Newcastle. The midfielder is no longer guaranteed an automatic place in the Villa starting line-up with Houllier signing Jean Makoun in January and giving an extended run to Nigel Reo-Coker. But Petrov was back in the first eleven for the first time in more than two months - apart from an FA Cup tie at Manchester City - against the Magpies. He earned praise after the game from Houllier and is hoping he can have a greater involvement in the finale to the campaign. Petrov said: "It is difficult when you are not playing, not just because I'm the club captain, but because I love playing. "It's been a frustrating time and it's not been happening for me. "But you just have to deal with it and try and get back in the team. "It is down to the manager to decide. He makes the decisions and we just need to stick with them. "I can only prove him wrong with my game. I feel I have done that. I hope I can keep going now." Petrov admits ensuring Villa stay in the top flight is the most important thing. He said: "The main thing is to stay in the top flight because we are in a very difficult position. "With all the talent that we have got here, and haven't shown this season, we know that we can win games. "As long as we can keep clean sheets, we know that we have got players who can score goals. "It was a massive win for us against Newcastle. I'm not going to lie, we know how important the three points were for us. "We know where we are at the moment and it was massive." Petrov added: "We have had a frustrating season and when we get the points that make us safe, maybe we will play some more football. "At the moment it is about getting points and climbing the table. "It's hard, we've been looking behind our backs for a long time but I hope we get out of it soon."