Steve Bruce has a number of injury concerns ahead of Sunday's big derby clash against Aston Villa at St. Andrew's.

The Blues boss will leave it until the last minute before he decides if Cameron Jerome, Gary McSheffrey and Garry O'Connor will be fit to play.

"I've got doubts over Jerome who's got a stomach injury, McSheffrey has a calf problem and O'Connor a groin problem, so we'll see how they are," said the Blues boss.

"I think the biggest doubt at the moment is McSheffrey, followed by O'Connor.

"He (O'Connor) hurt himself against Everton last week and he hasn't really trained at all.

"He did a bit yesterday and we'll see how he is today.

"He had a scan and it showed a signal which means there's something there in his groin but how severe it is we don't know, we'll leave it until the last moment."

On the positive side Bruce is boosted by the availability of Wilson Palacios and Mikael Forssell.

Despite Palacios's continuing off the field problems with his brother's kidnapping back in Honduras, Bruce believes that the midfielder is in the right frame of mind to be involved in Sunday's game.

And with Forssell seeming to have fully recovered from his hernia operation after notching hat tricks in his last two outings for the reserves, Bruce says the Finnish international has played his way right back into contention for a first team call-up.

Whichever players Bruce names in Sunday's squad he says the importance of the game will not be lost on them.

There have been suggestions in some quarters that Villa having up to five Birmingham-born players in their squad may give them an edge at St. Andrew's, but Bruce is far from convinced by that argument.

"I don't think Arsenal had any Londoners when they played against Tottenham last week," he said.

"Our players know what it means.

"They understand that it's a huge game and as I've seen from them in the past against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, they will not be found wanting.

"People like Nafti, Muamba, Ridgewell and Schmitz will make sure that they are ready for the occasion.

"It's a game that all the players look forward to and try and be the hero if they can.

"It's what we strived for last year which was to be back in the big league and play against the likes of Aston Villa, Man Utd or Chelsea.

"It's been spectacular over the years for one reason or another and I'm sure this will be no different.

"The rivalvry is the same as it always has been and we know what it means for the city."

Having said that, Bruce is under no illusions that his players will have to be at the top of their game if they are to emerge victorious on Sunday afternoon.

He believes that Martin O'Neill has put together the best Villa squad he has faced since taking over at the helm at St. Andrew's in 2001.

"I think this will definitely be the best Villa team we will have come up against," said Bruce.

"They have got a good blend. They are young and enthusiastic.

"They are a typical Martin team and have all the traits of the sides that he built at Leicester and Celtic with some good players."

Asked about the pace in the Villa team, Bruce added: "Of course Villa have got some quick players but so have Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool.

"That is what we all look for, it is part of the remit of the Premier League; how good an athlete are they and are they quick?

"More and more of us are looking at that because you have to have people that are quick and strong."

Blues have a limited number of restricted view seats available priced at just £25 (Adults) and £14 (Concessions).

And there is still a selection of full priced tickets available around the ground available from £12.50 for under 12's, £20 for concessions and £35 for adults. Click here for full details.

To avoid disappointment get your tickets now by calling 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit the Ticket Office at St. Andrew's.