Villa should return to the top flight - if the Rams don’t bite!

THERE has never been any doubt that, in stature, Aston Villa are the biggest club in the Midlands.

Sunday’s crowd of 41,233 for the local derby with Birmingham City underlines it.

I am sure they will be back in the Premier League next season with similar gates. Remember, Blues were only allocated 2,000 tickets.

Both Wolves and Villa should be in the top division, but the latter now have to keep Derby County at bay, having taken a one-point lead over the Rams.

Villa’s 2-0 win over Blues was deserved, although Birmingham gave it all they could apart from the stupidity of Cheikh Ndoye getting sent off after 94 minutes.

Carl Jenkinson struggled against both Albert Adomah and the outstanding Jack Grealish (inset right). The 22-year-old from Solihull is the most exciting local talent for years. He has dazzling skills that can open up the opposition and turn a match.

How the Villa fans loved it. When they called out Steve Bruce’s name they should be mindful they can be a fickle lot. In the early part of the season they were booing after poor results, despite the long season!

Bruce is a very good manager with a proven track record for promotion. He knows the pressure and expectations for Villa, both from the fans and the club.

Going up this season has to be a given and seven wins on the bounce now sends hopes flying. Saturday’s game at Fulham is the most difficult on the horizon before Wolves. The Londoners look strong and are in form.

Last week was awful for Steve, losing his father and with his mother seriously ill. But always the professional, he was at Villa Park to make the right calls, both in selection and tactics.

Blues manager Steve Cotterill has lifted his team and is having to do the same rebuilding job that Bruce faced. The Bluenoses are patient as they know Cotterill is improving matters.