Birmingham's record against Aston Villa since they returned to the Premiership is terrific and there are indications - however slim - that they are returning to form in time for Sunday's crucial fixture at St Andrew's.

While they may have only garnered a solitary point out of the games with Liverpool and Arsenal, there were encouraging signs that Birmingham are shaking off the early season torpor.

The fluidity that characterised their end of season charge during April and May was apparent once again during the first 25 minutes against Arsenal.

Kenny Cunningham's dismissal ensured a change of tack but the trio of Emile Heskey, Julian Gray and Jermaine Pennant looked very dangerous customers.

And with Villa's apparent fragility against the robust style of Heskey, the portents are good for Birmingham.

The confidence they have gleaned from six unbeaten games - including four wins - against their old enemy will be coursing through their veins prior to kick off and the potential return of Villa's nemesis, David Dunn can only increase spirits further.

Despite Birmingham's reluctance to talk about the fixture, there is a genuine feel-good factor within their camp and they are not approaching this game with any trepidation whatsoever.

Stephen Clemence has tasted a Second City derby before and is hopeful of experiencing one again. The 26-year-old played his way back into contention with a sublime performance at Highbury ten days ago.

He was drafted straight back in to the starting line-up after his hamstring injury and was arguably Birmingham's best outfield player despite only three days training in a month.

With Muzzy Izzet, Neil Kilkenny and Jiri Jarosik all likely to be back in contention, Clemence is not assured of retaining his place.

However, if he is selected to start, he admits that this is a contest that should be relished.

"I have played in a few games against Villa now so I have a bit of experience in them and they are games that you must look forward to," said Clemence.

"You can't afford to be nervous during games like these and you have to enjoy the atmosphere. You also need to get your foot in. We have had good results against them in the past, but we are not going to talk about it.

"All we will try and do is put in a similar sort of performance as we have done in the last two games and we won't be far away."

If Birmingham do find themselves under concerted pressure then Clemence is convinced they have one of the best keepers in the business in Maik Taylor.

The Northern Ireland international might have been beaten three times by Wales at the weekend, but Clemence is convinced he has few peers.

His sparkling performance against Arsenal won him many plaudits and he produced another penalty save against Wales to deny John Hartson on the back of his spot kick save against Robert Pires.

Clemence was well aware of Taylor's qualities before either player arrived at St Andrew's as his father; Ray had worked with Taylor previously.

Clemence senior was manager at Barnet when Taylor was plucked from non-League obscurity and he has always been highly rated in the Clemence household.

"I have been in the Premiership for a few years now and I haven't played with many better than Maik Taylor," continued Clemence.

"He will look back on his performance at Arsenal for years to come.

"I train with him every day and know just how very difficult he is to beat. He has a great presence and he will come and help you out with crosses as well.

"I have known him for a long time since my dad had him at Barnet and I can't speak highly enough of him."

While Clemence is still at Birmingham's Wast Hills training base preparing for Sunday's clash with Villa, club captain Cunningham is trying to secure the Republic of Ireland a World Cup playoff spot by beating Switzerland tomorrow night.

However, even though Cunningham is fully focused on the job in hand, he could still find time to cast his thoughts towards the weekend.

Both clubs have a chunk of their squad on international duty and while Cunningham is suspended after his dismissal at Arsenal, he believes the disruption caused by international breaks is minimal and will have no bearing on the final result.

"The international breaks are part of the footballing calendar and you have to get on with it," he said.

"The lads who are left at the training ground will work as hard as they can and, thankfully, we have got an extra day to prepare for the Aston Villa game, which is on a Sunday.

"That will be a help as more often than not lads are only flying back into the country on a Thursday afternoon.

"It is a huge game and we all know what is at stake, not only in terms of pride, but also in terms of our positions in the league at this moment in time.

"A win for either team and that would propel them towards the middle of the table, so it is a big game for different reasons and we will look forward to that."