Stephen Warnock has said that there is a togetherness in the Aston Villa dressing room after the news of Stiliyan Petrov's illness.
The Bulgarian midfielder was diagnosed with acute leukemia last month and has now began chemotherapy.
Warnock believes that the circumstances have brought the players closer together, which could be vital in Villa's fight for Premier League survival.
"There is a massive togetherness in the squad with everything that has gone on at the moment, it has brought the lads even closer," the 30-year-old told AVTV.
"There is a great atmosphere. It is great going in every day, there is great banter around the changing room and if we can keep that up and the team spirit on the pitch we will be fine."
Warnock moved to Villa Park from Blackburn Rovers in 2009.