Assistant boss Gary McAllister has challenged Villa’s players to finish as top dogs in the West Midlands ahead of their derby clash with Albion on Saturday.

Villa are now almost certain to finish above relegation-threatened Wolves, while Birmingham are currently three points behind them in 15th place.

But the claret and blues are only above Albion on goal difference and the Villa No 2 realises the importance of local bragging rights in the region.

McAllister also expects the game to be more of a spectacle than the recent clash with Stoke.

He said: “Albion’s football has never been in doubt. There was a spell when maybe they looked as if they could conceded a few but that’s been the big difference since Roy Hodgson’s come in.

“There’s more solidity about they’re defending. It will be tough to break Albion down.”

McAllister also admitted that manager Gerard Houllier, who is recovering from heart problems, will be disappointed not to be in the dugout at the Hawthorns.

The assistant boss said: “One of the first guys on the phone when Gerard was taken ill was Roy – they are big friends.

“Gerard will miss this one because he’d like to pit his wits against an old adversary.”

Villa midfielder Barry Bannan could be involved against Albion on Saturday, after being recalled from his loan at Leeds today.

The Scotland international made three starts and four appearances from the bench while at Elland Road, having moved to the Championship club at the beginning of March.

But, with Leeds’ hopes of making the play-offs now highly unlikely, Bannan has returned to his parent club.

However, Stephen Ireland’s season is over after picking up an ankle injury while on loan at Newcastle – which hits Villa’s hopes of off-loading the want-away midfielder.

The 24-year-old has made just two appearances for the Magpies since his January move, coming off the bench against Manchester United and Blackpool.

Ireland made the move to St James’ Park in a bid to get some football under his belt, after falling out of favour under Houllier.

However, the Irishman endured a tough few months up in the North East as he struggled with knee and thigh injuries while his partner, Jessica Lawlor, suffered multiple injuries in a car accident.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew had challenged Ireland to earn to himself a permanent deal in the final few games of the season, but he is unlikely to have done enough to earn himself a move.