Aston Villa tap into some insider knowledge

Cutler left the Baggies last month to reunite with Smith, whom he worked under at Walsall, at Villa Park.

And having seen first-hand how Baggies chief Darren Moore operates day-to-day, Smith believes his knowledge could be crucial.

“He’ll certainly know how they play and I’ll tap into his knowledge of West Bromwich Albion, that’s for sure,” he said.

“He left there on really good terms. There’s no espionage about it – he’s just working for Aston Villa and myself now.

“But every little bit of an advantage we can get, we’ll try to take.”

Set to be between the sticks for Albion is Sam Johnstone, who spent last season with Villa.

Cutler helped sharpen up his game for a couple of months – and Smith is no stranger to him either.

“Most of the lads will know Sam from playing with him last season,” said Smith. “I also had Sam at Walsall, so I know him well myself.

“You’re always going to have those connections through local teams, and I’m sure some of the lads will have been texting Sam – and him texting them. It just makes for a really good game.”

Smith, who was born in Sandwell Hospital, was linked with the Baggies job in the summer.

When asked if he was close to taking over there, he added: “I’ve no idea. In my opinion, they got the right man in Darren Moore.”

Albion's head coach smiled at the notion Cutler might be giving away trade secrets to his new club.

"We'll see what Cuts has given them in terms of what he's learned and developed here with us, and whether he's passed on anything to them," said Moore. "It's part and parcel of the game so we'll take that into account.

"Cuts did very well for us when we were here and we wish him well. It will be good to see him, we'll give him a little smile after the game."