O'Neill backs Albion's Great Escape

A miraculous Baggies escape would see them, Villa and newly-promoted duo Wolves and Birmingham all competing in the top tier for the first time since 1984.

Tony Mowbray's rock-bottom side host Liverpool on Sunday, knowing they are likely to need to win their last two games to have any chance of pulling off mission impossible.

O'Neill said: "It would be good for Midlands football (if they stay up). We have definitely got Wolves and Birmingham and it would be fantastic if West Bromwich Albion could make it.

"As far as I'm concerned they are a Premier League club. Albion's great little run looks like it might have come a bit too late but while there's life there's still hope."

Wolves utility man Stephen Ward also wants Albion to stay up - so he can enjoy a Black Country derby again.

The Irishman had a swift baptism of fire to the derby in 2006-07 when he faced Albion four times in his first four month as a Wolves player.

Now the 23-year-old, who has faced the Baggies in five of the last six meetings in the Championship, play-offs and FA Cup, would love to be part of what would be the first top-flight meeting against the arch rivals in 25 years.

Ward said: "It's strange – the lads were saying we missed playing them this season.

"When I first arrived, we played them a couple of times and the games are a dream to play in – the atmosphere is incredible."