Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock has welcomed the resurgence of
Birmingham under Alex McLeish and insists: "It's great for the
city".
Warnock experienced a similar scenario during his days at
Liverpool when Everton were battling for a European spot.
Villa take on Arsenal on Sunday hoping to sustain their push
for a Champions League spot after four successive victories.
But Birmingham have also been in excellent form and went into
the festive programme seventh in the Barclays Premier League after
a nine-match unbeaten run which yielded 21 points.
Warnock said: "I made my first Villa start after moving from
Blackburn in the derby at St Andrew's and I was very impressed by
them.
"I know we got the victory (1-0) but I thought they were well
organised and very hard to beat.
"I've always found that throughout the years when playing
Birmingham. They've also got very passionate fans and it's a tough
place to go.
"The way the league has gone this year is such that, if you
do put a run of results together, it can thrust you from nowhere to
being right up there and Birmingham have done that.
"It's great for the city to have two teams up there and I'm
sure it's great for the fans.
"They're probably enjoying the banter between each other at
work. It was always the same when I was at Liverpool.
"There was a spell where Everton were right up there and
fighting for the Champions League spots and it was great around the
city.
"There was a buzz around the city and a great pride and I'm
sure the people of Birmingham are very proud of their two teams at
the moment."
Villa face a crucial period with a home game against
Liverpool on Tuesday following on from tomorrow's meeting with
Arsene Wenger's side.
Warnock said: "The Christmas period is very important for us
because we have got tough games coming up.
"We know that if we can stay in and around the top four until
after Christmas time then we have a very good chance of being there
come the end of the season."
Striker Emile Heskey is manager Martin O'Neill's only injury
worry with a groin problem suffered against Stoke last weekend,
although it is not as serious as first feared.
