Stiliyan Petrov admits the strength in depth at Aston Villa has all the players on their toes.

The Bulgaria midfielder said: "I think we have more balance in the team now but, with the competition, you need to be on the top of your game.

"If you are not on top of your game, then you are out, simple as that. I think the extra competition has given me and everyone else a shove to improve.

"You know now that every bad game could cost you your place so everyone is working hard and you are trying to be prepared as well as you can be for each game.

"There are a lot of games coming up and you need a big squad to cope, definitely.

"With the UEFA Cup and the Premier League, the hardest league in the world, you need a big squad to compete - and I think we've got the squad to do it. I hope we won't be far away from the top four this season.

"The new players have bedded in well, and they have all been working very hard, because if you don't work very hard, you won't get a place in the team."