Walker plays down spat with Petrov

[PaulTheVillan]

http://dlvr.it/QSyLd

KYLE Walker is targeting clean sheets in possibly his final matches at Villa after playing down a spat with Stiliyan Petrov caused by the team’s poor defending.

Walker insists he has hugged Petrov following a heated exchange with the captain during Saturday’s 2-1 derby defeat to West Brom at the Hawthorns.

The pair were seen to have angry words as Villa wasted an early lead to lose to their local rivals for the first time in 26 years with two sloppy second-half goals.

“It is frustrating,” said Walker. “We are passionate about football. We don’t like losing anything. Even if it’s playing cards, I hate losing.

“For us to be 11 v 10 and pushing on to get the goal, you could feel it was coming.

“In the sense we couldn’t get the goal, but we always had to be aware of the counter-attack. Everything is fine between me and Stan now.

“We are passionate, we both had a hug in the changing room so everything is fine.”

Walker’s attacking approach has made him an instant fans’ favourite – with the claret and blue faithful hoping he can extend his loan from Spurs or sign permanently next season.

But despite enjoying his five months spell at Villa Park, the young defender has only helped Villa keep one clean sheet in his 15 Premier League and cup appearances since the start of January.

Walker is likely to be recalled by Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to White Hart Lane when his temporary deal expires later this month despite Villa’s interest in prolonging his stay.

So the 20-year-old would love to finish on a high by claiming shutouts against Wigan, Liverpool and Arsenal to end the season with three positive results.

“As a defender, that’s what we look for,” said Walker, whose only ‘blank’ came in last month’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

“That’s the main aim of our game. If we keep a clean sheet, we’re not losing, we can only win or draw.

“It is frustrating. It is something we are going to have to work on and hopefully we can keep clean sheets in the next three games.

“It’s frustrating that our four-game unbeaten run is over, but we won at West Ham and did well against Stoke.

“We’ve got to pick ourselves up, look forward to the remaining games and see where we go from there.”

Walker is confident Villa can still finish the season as the West Midlands’ top-placed team.

“It is a big thing around here to be the top midlands team and I think we’ve got full confidence in us doing that. It’s difficult to take, losing a local derby, but we have to pick ourselves up.”

Walker has endured a mixed week with boyhood club Sheffield United being relegated from the Championship and former loan club QPR winning promoion to the Premier League.



Read More http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2011/05/03/aston-villa-kyle-walker-plays-down-spat-with-stiliyan-pettov-97319-28625698/#ixzz1LHiArABI

[eamonn]

Walker and Petrov's attitudes are among the least I'd worry about in our squad. They evidently give a shite.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

If Petrov got nasty, Wakler could easily out run him.

[Countryside Villain]

Yep.  Walker was the only player who had the balls to face the press after the West Brom game.  You'd have expected our captain or another senior player to step up and face a grilling rather than a young loan player.  We should do what we can keep him, short of bending over and presenting for 'Arry.

[Summers]

Sadly, I think 'arry will ask us to assume the position.

[Bald Eagle]

Sadly, I think 'arry will ask us to assume the position.

At least we wouldnt have to look at his face.

[darren woolley]

Storm in a tea cup.

[TheSandman]

At least, unlike so many of our players, they both care.

[PeterWithe]

Daily Telegraph journalist Henry Winter has named Kyle Walker in his Premier League team of the year. Hmmmm, he's been a breath of fresh air but that is praise indeed.

[Monty]

Daily Telegraph journalist Henry Winter has named Kyle Walker in his Premier League team of the year. Hmmmm, he's been a breath of fresh air but that is praise indeed.

He wouldn't have done so if we'd signed him from the Championship or something. The Spurs connection is the only reason he's been picked.

[PeterWithe]

Heres the rest of the team by the way. Van der Sar; Walker Kompany Vidic Baines; Modric Parker Wilshere Giggs; Hernandez Tevez.

Walker can only played about 10 games cant he?

[Concrete John]

Heres the rest of the team by the way. Van der Sar; Walker Kompany Vidic Baines; Modric Parker Wilshere unnamed premiership footballer; Hernandez Tevez.

Just in case you get in trouble!

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Really like Walker. He is a young positive, honest player. And he really would be a massive asset to keep ......

[Ryu]

If candle face is still after Ash Young then I hope we try and get Walker and some cash in the summer.  I think he could be a top player and it would be great to watch him turn into one at the Villa before we sell him to Man City.

[TheSandman]

Why is Unnamed Premiership Footballer in that team?

He's not really had an outstanding season has he?