Stiliyan Petrov makes astonishing return to Aston Villa training after cancer battle

The former Celtic and Bulgaria midfielder last turned out for Villa on March 12, 2012. He retired in May 2013, but has been asked to participate in training by new manager Roberto Di Matteo as the former European champions try to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Petrov is 36, but the former club captain could be offered a deal if he can prove his fitness.

He has been training three times a day after battlng against the illness, and could join the Championship club's pre-season trip to Austria.

Petrov was a naturally fit midfielder at the peak of his powers, and if anybody can make a remarkable return to senior football it would be him. He earned 105 caps for Bulgaria and has played 228 times for Scottish champions Celtic and 186 times for Villa before such a serious illness threatened to cut short his life.

It would be an astonishing story if he can earn a contract with Villa after his career looked over, and one of the most heartwarming recoveries after only starting to play Sunday Over-35s football in the past year. If Villa can sign a fit Petrov, even at the age of 36, it could be a great piece of business in their quest to win promotion.