Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill heaped praise on skipper Stiliyan Petrov after their FA Cup draw with Crystal Palace.

He also hailed his impact as captain since taking on the vital role at the start of the season.

The gaffer told AVTV: "The players were fantastic. I was so pleased they kept going. When Palace made it 2-1 and time was running out, maybe you start thinking it wasn't to be. But we fought on.

"Credit to the players. I thought Stiliyan led by example all afternoon. I thought he was great.

"He was a big doubt before the game but he wanted to play in the match. And he was just magnificent, as were a number of the players.

"Stiliyan was just never-say-die at the end. As a captain, I couldn't ask anymore of him with the things he has done on and off the field.

"He tries to look after the players as well as possible, as well as any captain I have ever known.

"And on the field in the last two seasons, he has been fantastic."