Curtis Davies has urged Birmingham City youngsters Nathan Redmond and Jordan Mutch to make the most of their first team chance.
The young pair are already seeing first team action with Blues.
"I played against Jordon when he was at Watford and in the reserves and I knew he was a good player," Davies told the Birmingham Mail. "I told him that at Everton he was one of our best players in my opinion, defensively and as a midfielder.
"With Nathan, I've seen what he has from playing against him - Villa reserves against Blues reserves - and I tried to tell him to express himself.
"He did that and did really well. They did themselves really proud and did not look out of place. They are exciting prospects for the future.
''Hopefully these young lads can come through and start making a name for themselves.
"With the injuries, you never know when the opportunity might come so hopefully they will be ready."
