Stiliyan Petrov believes Aston Villa can’t afford not to strengthen during the January transfer window and expects chairman Randy Lerner to make new funds available to the manager.

Asked if Villa need additions to their squad next month, Petrov replied: “Of course.

“In the Premier League you cannot afford not to add players during the transfer windows.

“I’m sure Alex will be given the money to strengthen the squad and I hope he can get it because he deserves it.

“He has been working really hard and it will be nice to see a couple of new faces.”

Villa were without leading scorers Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent in Sunday’s home defeat to Liverpool because of suspension and injury.

Petrov believes the reliance on the duo, both expected to return against Arsenal tomorrow, highlights the lack of depth in McLeish’s squad.