Petrov sees Reo-Coker as a crucial Villa player

Stiliyan Petrov believes team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker can still play a key role in Aston Villa's season despite his recent training ground bust-up with boss Martin O'Neill.

The former West Ham captain made his first start since the fall-out against Sunderland in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and Petrov believes he demonstrated why he still has a future at the club.

"Nigel is a very important player for us," he said.

"He has shown down the years he is a fighter, he is a character and what happened is (gone). We don't even pay attention to this anymore.

"Nigel is back, he performed very well against Sunderland, was very strong and he showed the manager how important he is to us.

"Everyone started the season well including Nigel and it is great to see Nigel back."

Petrov continued: "Sometimes things like that happen and some players lose their head in training.

"But Nigel has been really working hard and he showed that the other night as well at Sunderland as well.

"It is a long season and we are going to need every player especially with cup games coming up as well, quick and fast.

"We have a very hectic schedule this month and next month so the manager will need everyone available."