Shilton respects Villa “anti-diving” attitude

England legend Peter Shilton, speaking today on the BBC Sport Football website, has praised Villa’s players for their efforts to stay on their feet during matches. He obviously hasn’t seen Stylian Petrov in the box then!

Shilton told the BBC "Is it being a man to sort of fall over as soon as someone obstructs you?"

"I watched Aston Villa the other day and some of their players were clouted and you thought they might have fallen over but they were really trying to stay on their feet.

"That is a good attitude to have. It's positive and trying to do your job right.

"If you're thinking the other way and that if someone touches you, you're going to fall over, that is negative."

Words of wisdom from the legendary keeper, although if he saw Petrov in the penalty area he might feel quite the opposite. He makes Andy Johnson look like an amateur at winning penalties.

I’m pleased that O’Neill has kept us playing football in the right spirit and not succumb to the diving that takes place. Although as much as he wants to stop Petrov winning penalties I think he’s got his work cut out.