Aston Villa defender Joe Bennett has backed Stiliyan Petrov to play a "big part" in the club's season following his return to football.

The 37-year-old played his first match for more than four years during Villa's pre-season tour of Austria having battled back from acute leukaemia.

Petrov officially retired in May 2013, but is bidding to make his professional return for the club following their relegation to the Championship last season.

"It was really good to see him back out there," Bennett told BBC WM 95.6.

"He's obviously been through a tough time and I've got a lot of respect for him and you can see, when he's out there, he can still play football.

"He's still got it and I think Stan can play a big part for us this season."

Petrov played in the second half of Villa's 8-0 triumph over Austrian sixth-tier side GAK 1902 on Saturday.