---
title: "Bennent backs Petrov to make an impact"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2016/07/11/bennent-backs-petrov-make-impact/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ed Payne"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2016-07-11T15:25:58Z"
modified: "2016-07-11T15:26:34Z"
---

# Bennent backs Petrov to make an impact

Joe Bennent has given his backing to Stiliyan Petrov and has backed the former Villa captain to make a big impact for Villa in the Championship this season.

Bennent, who has scarcely featured for Villa since 2013 after a poor first season, scored twice during his return to the Villa team in Saturday’s friendly against Austrian side GAK 1902 which Villa won 8-0.

Also returning in Saturday’s game was Stiliyan Petrov, who pulled on a Villa shirt for the first time since March 2012 as he took another huge step in his inspirational and amazing recovery from acute Leukemia.

Speaking to the [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36764240) after Saturday’s 8-0 win, the former Middlesborough left-back said:

> It was really good to see him back out there.
>
> He’s obviously been through a tough time and I’ve got a lot of respect for him and you can see, when he’s out there, he can still play football.

He also gave his backing to Petrov to have a big impact for Villa in the Championship, with a decision on whether Petrov will be awarded a contract by Roberto Di Matteo when Villa return from their tour of Austria.

> He’s still got it and I think Stan can play a big part for us this season.