Gudjonsson: derby won't faze me

Aston Villa midfielder Joey Gudjonsson today insisted he will not be fazed by the prospect of his first second-city derby next Monday against Birmingham City.

But the Icelandic international knows Villa have a score to settle after their 3-0 drubbing by Steve Bruce’s side at St Andrews in September.

Gudjonsson, on loan from Real Betis for the rest of the season, said: “Seville against Betis is one of the biggest derbies in the world. More than 60,000 come to see Betis at home and Seville get 40,000.

“So 41,000 at Villa Park against Birmingham won’t bother me. I’m not intimidated by big crowds but I do know how important these games are to supporters

“In Spain they talk about the derbies the whole year through. The rest of the season doesn’t matter to fans. They just want to win against their rivals. It’s just the same over here so I know it is a must-win game.”

One player hoping for a return to first-team action is Villa midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen and he would love to play in his first Birmingham derby.

The Norwegian international has only just returned to fitness after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester City on Boxing Day.

He is likely to play for the reserves, ironically also against Birmingham on Monday night, at the Bescot Stadium.

He said: “I feel fit and need to play games. You have to be careful with hamstring injuries and not start back too quickly.

“Everything has been going well. I am ready to play again and I would love it if I could have the chance to play in the first team and the derby.”