By Dan Harrison

Harry Forrester is relishing the chance to further his footballing education at Kilmarnock - after receiving sound advice from Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov.

The 20-year-old striker recently joined the Scottish Premier League outfit on loan in order to get his first taste of senior football.

He was an unused substitute for Killie's 1-0 win at Aberdeen nine days ago but hopes to make his debut at home to St Mirren this Saturday.

When the chance to head north of the border materialised, Forrester was encouraged to jump at the chance by Petrov - an SPL legend from his seven years at Celtic.

"I spoke with Stiliyan before I moved," said Forrester.

"He was a legend at Celtic and warned me the SPL is physical and to get on the weights!

"He pulled me aside in training and asked if I was going to Killie. I said 'yes' and he told me to keep my head down, work hard and it would be good for me.

"Stiliyan was very encouraging about the SPL, he enjoyed playing up here and he felt he came on a lot as a player.

"I want to improve by being here, get a few goals and push the team up the league."

There was also plenty of encouragement from Villa's caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, who coached Forrester in the reserves over the past two seasons.

Having impressed at reserves and academy level for his parent club, Forrester now hopes to make an impact in the serious business of senior football.

"I also spoke to Villa's caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald," he added.

"He also said it would be a good move and Killie would be a good club for me to join.

"I played with [Killie left-back] Ben Gordon at England youth level and asked him what it was like before I came and he said all the lads were top-notch.

"I was thinking of a loan before Martin O'Neill left but then when he went Killie started talking to Villa, so I didn't have much time to think whether I'd stay or go."