Gary Gardner targets Aston Villa win and bragging rights

The clash at St Andrews carries significant resonance in the Gardner household, where loyalties are split between the two rival clubs. Gary is a Villa fan but brother Craig, the Albion midfielder, supports Blues.

And Gary said: "It is a big thing for me. My family are split, Craig is a Blues fan. And now I want to win and get it done with.

"It's a massive game. It's one of the biggest games of the season in terms of rivalry. But our plan now is to work hard every day and in every game, if we do that hopefully we'll get the result."

Sunday's game also has added resonance for Villa boss Steve Bruce, who managed Blues between 2001 and 2007 and can expect a red-hot reception on returning to his former club.

Gardner added: "He just wants to go there and get the result. You can't go back there getting too carried away. He'll have all the lads working hard and right behind him. We all want to get the result for him and for ourselves. I can't wait. It's the biggest game for the boys but we've just got to make sure we get stuck in and get the three points."

Gardner reckons believes Bruce has pumped new energy into Villa's season since replacing Roberto Di Matteo earlier this month.

Villa have taken seven points from three games under the 55-year-old's tenure and have momentum heading into the derby.

Gardner admits Bruce has lifted the mood after a difficult start to the season which saw Di Matteo lose his job after just 12 games in charge.

"The manager has come in and got everyone going again," said Gardner. "We haven't lost many but we've drawn way too many - that said, you can't look back in this league.

"He's come in and hit the ground running and so have the people he's brought with him.

"The lads are working hard in training and we have to stick to that and put it out on the pitch on a Saturday."

Gardner, who has impressed after being recalled to the team for wins against Reading and Fulham, explained how the new boss provides clear instructions to each player about what is expected from them.

"The new gaffer has got us working," said the 24-year-old. "That's a massive thing for the lads. He can pass on his experience in talking to the dressing room and everyone knows what they're doing now.

"Everyone will put a good shift in to get those results now. We've done that in the past two games as you've seen. I've played the last two and I want to keep my place now. I'll work my socks off to do that."