McGarvey: Stan must aim high
Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey has advised Stilian Petrov to stay with the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions unless Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United make an approach for his services.
McGarvey can understand why the Bulgaria international, who has handed in a written transfer request, wants to play in the Barclays Premiership.
The ex-Scotland international swapped St Mirren for Liverpool in 1979 but, after failing to make an impact on the all-conquering Anfield team of the time, he jumped at the chance to return home with Celtic after one season down south.
But McGarvey agrees with Hoops skipper Neil Lennon that only a move to one of England’s giants would be worthwhile for Petrov.
He told PA Sport: “I don’t understand why Stan would want to move to a lesser side down south.
“He wants to get better but he will get the chance to play in the Champions League next season at Celtic.
“He plays in front of 60,000 fans every week, so he won’t get a much bigger stage than that and he has to weigh that up.
“It’s obviously up to him, but I don’t see a reason why he should move down there unless Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United come calling.
“It was a good move for me to go to Liverpool, but, as soon as Celtic said they wanted me, I jumped at the chance.
“But a move to a Fulham or a Bolton is not a step forward with all due respect to these clubs.”
But McGarvey insists Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and Lennon should not stand in Petrov’s way now he has declared his intention to leave.
He added: “Stan has been a great player for Celtic and has done very well since coming in.
“But now he wants to go to England and that’s up to the individual.
“You don’t know what’s in his mind but he wants a fresh start. If a player doesn’t want to play for the club, then let him go.
“If his heart’s not there, you should look to bring someone in who does want to play for the club.
“He is a good player and will be badly missed at Celtic Park.
“It’s strange that he has chosen to say these things now and you don’t know whether he has something lined up.
“He has been a great servant to Celtic in the seven years he has been there, but it’s time to let him go.”
