Ridgewell desperate to finish first in Second City derby
Published 23:00 28/10/10 By James Nursey
Liam Ridgewell is desperate to return to his old club Aston Villa this weekend and end their Second City derby supremacy.
Defender Ridgewell, 26, played in both games for Villa when they did the double over Birmingham in 2005/2006.
But he has never been on a winning side in the fiery fixture since moving to Brum in August 2007 for £2million.
Birmingham have lost the last six Premier League matches to their arch-enemy.
"I can't wait for Sunday," said Ridgewell after successive wins over Blackpool and Brentford in the League and Carling Cup.
"They have beaten us several times over the years so it isn't just one we owe them.
"We want to do well.
"I had the pleasure of winning for Villa against Blues but I want to win one for Blues against Villa.
"It would be good to win a game against them.
"I think we have as much chance as anyone.
"We are a good team and had a decent performance against Blackpool so we are on a high and hopefully we can take that into the game."
Birmingham lost their last visit to Villa Park in April in controversial circumstances following a late James Milner penalty.
Referee Martin Atkinson harshly penalised Roger Johnson for a challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor with eight minutes remaining.
TV replays showed the defender got a touch on the ball and Johnson stormed afterwards: "The referee was a disgrace".
Johnson was fined £7,500 by the FA and also warned about his future conduct but escaped a ban.
Birmingham were also fined £10,000 by the FA for failing to control their players.
And City skipper Stephen Carr served a one-match suspension after accepting a charge of improper conduct for making an offensive gesture to Villa fans.
Ridgewell added: "The game will get people hot under the collar.
"You look at all of them Man City v Man United, Celtic v Rangers - everyone gets hot under the collar.
"But hopefully everyone will keep their cool and it will be a good game.
"They are looking for Europe - we are looking to stay in the Premier League.
"They are ahead of us in that respect.
"But we want to finish as high as possible and if that means going past Villa then so be it."
