Stiliyan Petrov hopes he's winning over Aston Villa fans after his recent run of impressive form.

"Every player wants to be a hero, every player wants to be loved," he said. "Every player wants to be known as a good player - that is what we are all striving for.

"As long as we win 1-0 the fans can sing all the names in the team."

Few were singing Petrov's name until he earned a standing ovation against Bolton.

"When I get criticised I get more motivated," he said. "I will always be the first to criticise myself, because I know what I am capable of. It's my second year and I need to start showing it because not every fan in every club has patience."