Aston Villa players know they have Bulgarian royalty amongst them in the form of teammate Stiliyan Petrov.

He was mobbed on his arrival at the remote Gorna airfield on Monday and his presence in the small north-eastern town of Lovech has sparked massive interest.

Ahead of tonight's UEFA Cup tie against Litex Lovech, Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "I became aware of what a big star Stiliyan is here when I heard his wedding was live on TV.

"He knows one or two of the Lovech players because they are internationals and we've spoken about them. I will be using his knowledge."

Petrov has started this season with a bang to help Villa into fourth in the Premier League.

O'Neill added: "Stiliyan showed at the end of last season he was coming into form and he's done well this season.

"The confidence is there and he has adjusted well to a new holding role. He has the discipline and the confidence to do the job there.

"His contribution to the team has been terrific and he's playing fantastically."