Petrov Was Consistently Excellent

Martin O’Neill has praised Stiliyan Petrov for being consistently excellent this season and says the new contract is the reward for that.

Speaking on the official site today after Petrov completed putting to paper on his new shiny 4 year contract yesterday, O’Neill praised Petrov’s attitude and commitment to improving himself by revealing that the Bulgarian midfielder never once came a knocking on his door during the dark times that surrounded his claret and blue career.

‘I am delighted for Stiliyan. It’s a real boost for the club. He has had a great season for us. He’s deserved the contract.

‘I was really happy he won both Player of the Year awards but more importantly in my opinion, I am glad he has shown the supporters what a really good footballer he is this season.

‘Consistency is the key word. He has been consistently excellent every week and I think that has won over the fans. It has made him such a popular person with the players and the supporters.

‘He never came in asking about his future even when times were low. He decided the only way was to go and battle through it. Even in the dark days, he felt that he could succeed here. To come back in the manner he has done speaks volumes for the player.’

It certainly does, Petrov has been a completely different player forus this season and we all hope that this is what we can come to expect from him.