Villa defender Curtis Davies admits he does not blame former Albion team-mate Zoltan Gera for treading the same beaten path away from the Hawthorns.

The pair will meet for the first time since their spell together at the Baggies when the Hungarian midfielder’s Fulham side visit Villa Park.

Gera left Albion this summer for a better deal at Craven Cottage, while former Baggies skipper Davies made his £10million move to Villa permanent, after a year-long loan with Martin O’Neill’s side.

Davies believes Gera received a “raw deal” at Albion’s hands and is delighted to see a player he holds in high regard – on and off the field – doing so well.

The centre-back said: “Zolly is a top man. I’m glad he is doing well for himself and enjoying his football. At West Brom I think he was given a raw deal in the way they tried to deal with his contract and I don’t blame him for leaving really.

“I’m just glad to see him playing week in, week out in the Premier League where he deserves to be playing. He’s one of those lovely people that make you smile all day.”

Both players have already returned to the Hawthorns with their respective clubs this season, with the reception reserved for Davies the more severe of the two.