Agbonlahor: I'm just keeping armband warm for Stan

Gabriel Agbonlahor admits Aston Villa's players have been affected by Stiliyan Petrov's diagnosis with leukaemia.

The Bulgarian midfielder and club captain started treatment for his condition in a London hospital on Monday and in his absence Agbonlahor has been made skipper by boss Alex McLeish.

But the England striker will be a happy man if he has to hand the armband back to Petrov as it will mean he has made a full recovery.

Agbonlahor said: "The news about Stan (Petrov) was a massive shock. For someone who is as healthy it was very shocking. But he showed bravery to come to the Chelsea game at the weekend.

"He knew he would have been asked a lot of questions and came and showed what a big affect he has on the players and we're all ready for him to battle through this.

"It's hit the players hard. I think they showed great fight on Saturday for Stiliyan and were unfortunate not to get the right result.

"I think everyone's close to Stan anyway and everyone's been in contact with him, and he's going to keep in contact with everyone on his progress.

"He's done fantastic for this club, he's been a great example, and everyone is hoping that he can get through this and then come back and captain us all again."