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Stiliyan Petrov back in Aston Villa shirt for first time in four years

GRAZ, AUSTRIA - JULY 09 :  Styilian Petrov of Aston Villa during a pre season friendly between GAK Graz and Aston Villa at the GAK Graz Stadium on July 09,
Image: Stiliyan Petrov in action for Villa against GAK

Stiliyan Petrov has made his first Aston Villa appearance in more than four years after recovering from cancer.

Petrov played the second half as Villa eased to an 8-0 victory over Austrian side GAK, the 37-year-old stepping up his comeback after beating leukaemia.

Bulgaria midfielder Petrov last turned out for Villa in March 2012, before retiring due to his illness.

Petrov says it is wrong to blame all of Aston Villa's troubles on Agbonlahor
Image: Petrov (2nd left) retired from football professional in 2013
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The 105-cap international confirmed his comeback earlier this summer, and has now duly donned Villa's claret and blue on their pre-season tour.

A Jordan Ayew double and goals from Micah Richards and Libor Kozak put Villa in total control, leading 4-0 at the break.

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New boss Di Matteo changed the entire team at half-time, and doubles from Joe Bennett and Rudy Gestede ensured Villa coasted home.

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