PETROV WANTS MORE FIRST-TEAM ACTION
Manchester City winger Martin Petrov has expressed his frustration at being left on the bench.
The Bulgarian missed out on the 1-1 draw at Villa Park on Monday despite bagging a goal and an assist against West Ham the week before, and says he is beginning to lose patience at Eastlands.
Petrov, who signed from Atletico Madrid in 2007, pointed at his number after his goal against the Hammers, but the 30-year-old insists it was not aimed at manager Mark Hughes.
"No, I didn't do it for him (Hughes)," he said. "I did it for my wife because she forgot my number.
"When they give me a chance I give my best. I think I've shown that I deserve a place in the starting line-up but it's up to him.
"It's not a pleasant situation. I'm a professional and I'm observing my obligations but it doesn't rest well with me."
The Bulgarian is currently preparing for his country's last two World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia, which they must win to have a chance of a play-off place.
If I was him I'd feel very hard done by over Monday night. I'd have had him on instead of RSC with Bellamy up top. Cuellar was the obvious weak link and we should have exploited it more.