De Ridder relishing derby

Daniel de Ridder is relishing the prospect of his first Birmingham derby against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Dutchman has been very impressive since joining the club, and was influential in the 3-2 victory over Wigan.

He said: "I am looking forward so much to the derby. In Holland there were never derbies because there is only one club in Amsterdam, although Ajax-Feyenoord are comparable to these sort of games.

"There is so much rivalry between those clubs and I've heard the Villa game also means so much to the fans as well, so we will do all we can to win.

"The crowd can be a really big weapon for Birmingham on Sunday - and my experience so far is that this set of supporters are fantastic and really get behind the team."

De Ridder added: "I am 100 percent fit now and glad to be able to contribute. It is frustrating when you get injured on the first day of the season.

"I think Frank Lampard kicked me from behind. I don't know if it was on purpose but my ankle made a very strange move and I felt it was wrong.

"The good thing was I knew it wasn't that difficult to recover from it. It was an ankle injury and I've waited, I've been patient. That is what football is about sometimes, just waiting for your chance and now my chance has come.

"There are worse things in life than an injury. You have to deal with it and look forward and be patient."