Darren Anderton admits that he realised just how important next week's Second City derby was after listening to a cabbie's anti-Villa diatribe. The 32-year-old former England international is close to agreeing a new contract at St. Andrew's after a string of impressive performances in the centre of midfield for Steve Bruce's men over the past month. His passing quality has shone out like a beacon and justified Bruce's faith in offering him a pay-as-you-play deal in the summer. And he has also been made fully aware of the importance of next week's clash against Villa by his teammates. However, as he made his exit from St. Andrew's following the 1-1 draw with Norwich nine days ago, Anderton had his first taste of the rivalry that exists as he explained to givemefootball's Ian Clarkson
Q:ARE YOU AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS GAME?
A:I was picked up by a cab driver after the Norwich game and he was listening to the Manchester City-Villa game on the radio - it was a late kick off. He was absolutely delighted that Villa were losing and made a point of telling me how important it was not to lose at Villa Park next week.
Q:HAVE YOU WITNESSED FIRST HAND THE ATMOSPHERE AT A SECOND CITY DERBY?
A:I watched a couple of the derbies on television and I was impressed by the atmosphere, but I can't wait to experience it first hand. Spurs v Arsenal was always a great atmosphere, but we played each other every year. Because this fixture didn't happen for so long then I would imagine the rivalry is even more intense. I live in the area now so no doubt the build-up will be huge this week.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WORKING WITH STEVE BRUCE?
A:Steve is right up there with any of the managers I have worked with. Terry Venables is the best one I have ever worked with and I don't think you will find any player who has got a bad word to say about him. The biggest compliment I can pay to Steve is that his man-management skills are on a par with Terry. That is the most important skill to have at this level and I think he will go on to be a really top manager.
Q:YOU ALSO WORKED WITH BRYAN ROBSON AT EURO 96 WHEN HE WAS TERRY VENABLES' ASSISTANT - HOW DO YOU THINK HE WILL DO AT WEST BROM?
A:Bryan made a lasting impression on me. He had all the credentials to be a good manager and I am sure working with Terry will have helped him.
Q:WOULD YOU LIKE TO SIGN A LONGER DEAL AT BIRMINGHAM?
A:I am really happy here and we will be discussing a new deal soon. If it is at all possible I would like to stay here for another two or three years as I like the people and the area. I needed to move from Spurs and this has given me a new lease of life. I have had to prove myself to everyone again and I get a real buzz at training every day.
Q:ARE YOU ENJOYING LIFE IN THE CENTRE OF MIDFIELD?
A:I'm 32 now, so I am definitely better suited to the middle of the park. I can influence the game more from there and probably my biggest strength is my ability on the ball. We are a little bit edgy at present even though we haven't been playing that badly. We probably need more time to gel, but unfortunately we are in a results business and don't have that luxury.
