Sorensen: Villa ready to scrap again
Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has warned Birmingham to expect another fired-up performance from David O’Leary’s side in Sunday’s crucial Premiership derby at Villa Park.
In the past, question marks have been placed over whether Villa had the same hunger for derbies as Blues who were unbeaten in the opening six Premiership meetings between the teams.
But Villa, inspired by a fine performance from midfielder Steven Davis, showed the desire for a scrap at St Andrews earlier this season before Kevin Phillips netted the winner.
Sorensen said: “Derbies never turn out to be pretty. They always turn out to be a bit of a scrap and if you are not up for that scrap, you will be punished.
“Birmingham have more or less got most of their players back and we need to be ready for it. But we showed at St Andrews that we were ready for the battle and we have to be as well on Sunday. I am sure we will be.
“The fans had to wait a long time to enjoy a victory over Blues and we know what it would mean to them if we could complete the double.”
Sorensen was quick to praise Villa’s young players such as striker-turned-midfielder Gabriel Agbonlahor and central defender Gary Cahill for their efforts in the goalless draw with West Brom last weekend.
And, although Olof Mellberg and Gareth Barry may be fit to return against Blues, Sorensen would have no fears about the rookies being plunged into battle on Sunday if required.
He said: “Hopefully we will have a couple of players back on Sunday but if not we will play with the same team and they will probably have picked up a bit of experience and learned from the Albion game.
“We see the young lads in training every week and sometimes they raise their game when called upon. They might not have the experience but the adrenalin is pumping and they will definitely get through these kind of games for sure.
“They have got the ability and the rest will follow if we help them along. These games are a big chance for any player to make a name for themselves.”
Meanwhile, Villa manager David O’Leary today refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with the Wolves duo of defender Joleon Lescott and striker Carl Cort.
O’Leary and assistant boss Roy Aitken watched Wolves’ 2-2 draw with Coventry last Saturday.
The Villa boss would only say: “We had a Sunday game and I like to take in games when I can.
"This weekend I might see another game somewhere else as we are again playing on Sunday.
“I’m trying to cover all bases and, when I have a Saturday off, I’ll go to a game. I’m not the only manager in the country who does that.
“We’re getting to that time of the year when every time a manager goes to a game people put two and two together. I can’t do anything about that but I won’t be adding to the speculation.”
