Martin O'Neill is optimistic that Villa captain Stilian Petrov will overcome a virus to be fit for the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
The Bulgarian midfielder missed last night's 3-1 FA Cup fifth round victory over Crystal Palace and is facing a race against time to be fit for the Wembley date with Manchester United - as Villa chase their first piece of major silverware since 1996.
O'Neill will take no chances with the fitness of the ex-Celtic star, who has been kept away from the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground because of the risk of passing on the virus, but believes there is a good chance of Petrov being available.
He said: "It's a virus rather than an injury. I'm sure that with a cup final looming he'll want to be involved. You never know what will happen in a training session but to have him back will be a big boost."