Derby winger Stephen Pearson is confident they can beat the drop.

He declared: "If we can follow Reading's example there's no reason we can't stay up. No one was giving them a chance of surviving this time last year.

"It just proves what can happen if you have a close-knit dressing room, are well organised and willing to fight for each other.

"We all know it's going to be a massive step up. But we are in the Premiership on merit and are determined to enjoy it."

Pearson was given his big break by Martin O'Neill at Celtic - and reckons Billy Davies has a lot in common with the Villa chief.

He said: "Both are very strong in man-management. Billy definitely knows how to get the best out of his players - but he's also very good tactically."