• Premier League

McLeish backs Petrov to beat illness

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 30, 2012
Stiliyan Petrov is fighting leukaemia © Getty Images
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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the fighting spirit of skipper Stiliyan 'Stan' Petrov will help him in his battle to overcome acute leukaemia.

The condition was diagnosed following tests after Bulgaria international Petrov developed a fever following last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Messages of support for the former Celtic player, who was due to spend Friday night in a London hospital, have flooded in since the news was confirmed in a Villa statement this afternoon.

"It's that old perspective cliche, but it's so true, and everybody here is behind Stan and a lot of the guys, everybody, will be shocked by the news," McLeish said. "But he's a captain, he's a leader, he's a defiant guy and he's fought many battles on the pitch and I'm sure this is another one he'll win.

"We certainly think it's in the early stages and Stan will get the best medical attention possible. "I spoke to him and he was typical Stan, defiant, but I think obviously he's concerned about how its affected his loved ones."

Geoff Thomas, the former Crystal Palace captain who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003, is hopeful the Bulgarian can make a full recovery.

"What goes on in the next couple of days is important for Petrov," Thomas told the BBC. "With it being acute, it's a more aggressive form of leukaemia which is common in his age group. The treatment starts as soon as you go into hospital and there will be people running around him.

"This country is a leading light when it comes to research into blood cancers.

"He's a fit young man and everyone will give him the best chance and put him on road to recovery as soon as possible."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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