By Dan Harrison

Stiliyan Petrov has urged Villa to do their utmost to overcome Rapid Vienna - because he is eager to experience more great European nights at Villa Park.

The Europa League play-off draw has pitted Villa against the Austrian side for the second year running and Martin O'Neill's men are keen to avoid a repeat of last season, when they were eliminated on away goals.

Victory in the two-leg tie would seal Villa's place in the group stages, with the guarantee of at least three more midweek home clashes against European opposition.

Petrov insists it is important for the fans to experience great European nights at Villa Park, such as the UEFA Cup ties against Ajax and CSKA Moscow two seasons ago.

The claret and blues skipper reckons his team can take inspiration from Fulham's epic run to the final of the Europa League last term.

"We want to do that because all these fans want the European nights," said the skipper.

"I've said before, it is a different to the Premier League and I hope we can get that this season.

"This time we have got something to play for. They beat us last time so we need to go and perform and go to the group stages because that would be a great experience.

"We saw what Fulham did and I hope we can go and enjoy our European nights as well."

Petrov will join up with Bulgaria this week for a friendly against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday night.

The midfielder admits to being slightly bemused by the timing of the latest round of international fixtures, which fall just days before the start of the Barclays Premier League.

Villa are set to release a host of players for international duty, including Ashley Young, James Milner, Marc Albrighton, John Carew and James Collins, in the week leading up to their top flight opener against West Ham.

Several Premier League bosses have already questioned the timing of the games.

"I think we play about 10 games before even the new year," added Petrov. "It is very hectic starting now with the internationals, the league, then European games but that is our job and we don't need to complain. Big teams are doing it and we should do it as well.

"I don't see the reason because you fight to get fit, you fight to get ready for the season and all of a sudden come the internationals for no reason.

"We will meet up again in three weeks time to start qualification so it is a waste of time, but obviously people arrange these games and we just need to do it.

"I am flying first to Bulgaria, then I fly into Russia, then back to Bulgaria, then back here. I will be back on Thursday night.

"But if you want to play in the big games you have to cope with things like that."