Eirik Bakke wants to use Villa's derby day victory as a platform for the rest of his career at Villa Park.

The on-loan Leeds midfielder made his long awaited first Premiership start for David O'Leary's men and played a major role in Villa's victory at St Andrew's.

The 28-year-old was a shock inclusion in O'Leary's starting line-up, as he had only played 14 minutes competitive football for the club since his arrival in the transfer window

He had appeared in a string of reserve team games, but it was his first top-flight start since he scored for Leeds against Liverpool in February 2004.

As it turned out, Bakke was the rock in central midfield who not only allowed the likes of Steven Davis and James Milner to attack with freedom, but also played a major part in restricting the service into Emile Heskey.

He finally tired and was replaced by Eric Djemba-Djemba, but it was significant that he was selected ahead of the Cameroon international, as he bids to secure a permanent deal at Villa Park.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when O'Leary bought Bakke to Villa Park after his recent injury problems, but he proved he has the necessary steel and discipline that will allow their flair players to flourish alongside him.

And with possession nine tenths of the law, Bakke wants to ensure he is in charge of his shirt when all of Villa's walking wounded return to action.

"We have a lot of big games coming up and now I have got my chance I hope I can keep my place in the team," said Bakke.

"I have played three games for Leeds this season but this was my first Premiership game since Liverpool, so it has been a long time coming and I intend to enjoy the victory.

"We have a big game coming up against Wigan and it is important that we build on the victory against Birmingham and get another positive result.

"I am grateful to the manager for giving me a chance and it is up to me now to keep my place in the team.

"Hopefully I will get better as my match fitness improves." Bakke admits he knew he was playing well beforehand as O'Leary put his troops through a rigorous workout on the training ground in preparation for an aerial assault from Birmingham.

Villa had already conceded eight goals from set pieces this season and Bakke's height and physical presence was instrumental in repelling the second half onslaught they faced from their local rivals.

O'Leary left Bakke in no doubt as to his role on the day and the Norwegian carried it out to the letter.

"The gaffer told me I had to sit in front of the back four and win a lot of balls as they would hit it long," continued Bakke

"It was basically a battle and sometimes you have to dig deep and the game against Birmingham was one of those occasions.

"I think all the lads were really up for it and wanted to bounce back from the Middlesbrough game, which was really disappointing.

"We worked on defending set-pieces a lot in training, as we knew that was what we would have to deal with.

"It wasn't the nicest football game to watch after the break, but it didn't matter as we won."

While Bakke was experiencing his first taste of a Second City derby, Gareth Barry continued his ever-present record against Birmingham

However, it was the first time he had emerged victorious and he is hoping that their win will engender a ripple effect similar to the one experienced by Birmingham last season, which saw them win three successive games after their triumph at Villa Park in December.

"In previous seasons this result has kick started Birmingham's season and let's hope it can be our turn this year," said Barry.

"We have a winnable game at home to Wigan next week and full credit to them as they have started the season like a house on fire, so it won't be easy, but it is winnable and we need to build on this victory.

"It was a sweet moment to finally beat Birmingham. I have played in all seven games now it was hurting me as much as the fans.

"There wasn't a great deal of talking from the players beforehand. We knew actions would speak louder than words."