Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits his derby preparations have centred on stopping Birmingham whizkid Mauro Zarate.

O'Neill said: "He looks a real handful.

"I obviously didn't know him beforehand but he has turned games for them.

"He scored a wonder goal for them and his performance when he got a couple of goals against City - he looked a real handful.

"I think Birmingham will probably try their best to keep him."