Reo-Coker to be handed Villa captaincy in Petrov absence

NIGEL REO-COKER is set to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes at Aston Villa by deputising until Christmas for crocked captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Bulgarian midfielder Petrov, 31, is out until the New Year after suffering a medial ligament tear in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

And boss Gerard Houllier admits he is likely to give the skipper's armband to Reo-Coker after being impressed by the tenacious star.

Reo-Coker, 26, has leadership skills after captaining West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final and has led Villa in the Carling Cup and Europe this term.

But Houllier's anticipated decision to opt for the Londoner ahead of Richard Dunne as captain in the Premier League is a huge vote of confidence in Reo-Coker.

It also reflects a dramatic change in Reo-Coker's Villa prospects since Martin O'Neill quit earlier this season.

Reo-Coker, out of contract next summer after signing in 2007 from the Hammers, felt victimised after a ferocious training ground bust-up with O'Neill last November.

The player was promptly dropped, suspended and even transfer-listed but is now firmly back in favour following O'Neill's departure.

"Unfortunately Stiliyan Petrov will be out for two months if not more," said Houllier yesterday at an open training session infront of 10,000 fans at Villa Park.

"The team has many leaders but Nigel has been at the club for four years nearly.

"He has done well since I have been here.

"He leads by example and his work rate is absolutely spot on."

Petrov was with Luke Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor getting treatment yesterday and missed a special public training session.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell, 27, who replaced Petrov at Sunderland, is set to make his second start of the season when Burnley visit in the Carling Cup tomorrow.

Houllier is targeting the competition as he seeks the club's first silverware since 1996.

And the Frenchman,63, insists he is loving life at Villa Park after five matches at the helm.

He said: "One of the reasons I wanted to come here is because of the fanbase.

"The support is genuine and is real.

"I felt it was a good club and the players have responded extremely well.

"There are two ways of doing things - either you do it dragging your heels and show you are not happy to do it or you do it willingly which they have done."