Stiliyan Petrov admits he's torn on who to support as former teams Celtic and Aston Villa collide in the Champions League.

Petrov's allegiances will be split on Wednesday night as the Hoops travel to Villa Park for the Battle of Britain powderkeg. The Bulgarian earned legendary status at both clubs during his playing days, starring for seven years at Parkhead before following Martin O'Neill to the Lions in 2006 - where he became skipper and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

And the 45-year-old confessed he can't choose between both sides as they prepare to lock horns for the final European league phase fixture. He said: "I support both teams. I've been on social media and sometimes people ask you who you support - Celtic or Villa, don’t stay on the fence. When both teams play, I support them both.

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"For me it’s just about enjoying the game. Both teams are playing very good football, with two great managers. So for me, it’s just to see where my two former teams are standing at the moment. Seeing them play against each other is just great for football. Two great clubs, two great managers and two great sets of fans. What else could you wish for?"

Petrov was honoured to pull on the captain's armband for the cross-border duo and tipped Brendan Rodgers and Unai Emery's sides to serve up a cracker in Birmingham.He told Gambling.com: "To be captain of these two teams, it's a great honour.

"Especially these two teams with great fanbases. It will be a cracking game. It’s great to see both teams doing really well, strengthening their squads and having great managers. Because I was part of it and I know how important success is to these two teams."