Steve Bruce: Injured Gabriel Agbonlahor still has a role for derby showdown

Agbonlahor will not feature on the pitch because of a calf injury but is still expected to be part of Villa’s travelling party, with boss Bruce believing the 31-year-old can provide advice and motivation for his team-mates.

The veteran forward has relished playing the role of pantomime villain at St Andrew’s due to his uncanny knack of scoring against the hosts. Agbonlahor’s strike in Villa’s 1-0 win over Blues back in April was his fifth goal against their rivals and the third time he has been the derby match-winner.

And Bruce quipped: “Gabby will be my security guard. So that they can have a go at him before they have a go at me!

“I think he will want to come. I’m sure he will. Maybe we’ll make him manager for the day, how about that?

“And I know Gabby will think ‘I can do a better job than you’. So there’s your quote – Gabby is not fit but he’s going to be manager for the day and right by my side.”

Agbonlahor has been a fixture in all but one of Villa’s last 11 meetings with their rivals.

Bruce added: “He has the passion for it. Derby games, he’s a local lad and he knows what it means.

“Last season Harry Redknapp came out with a famous quote saying we’d be wheeling him out again in six months time. Well he’s not fit.

“Gabby handles the occasion, he rises to it and it’s a shame he’s not playing for us.

“But he will be around the place, that’s for sure. He will help, play a big part, absolutely.”

While several of Villa’s team experienced of a Second City derby, the majority will be getting their first taste of a game at St Andrew’s.

“Any of the ones who aren’t playing can have an influence, that’s the key to a good squad and a big squad,” said Bruce.

“We have to cope with injuries and the people who don’t quite make it, around the place, can tell some of the younger ones what to expect.”